Seminar on Domestic Terrorism Held in Canton

The Canton Police Department  and Homeland Innovations  will host a  seminar Wednesday night on  anti-government extremist.  

Sworn law enforcement members from Federal, State and Local agencies will come together to learn about the emerging threat posed by anti-government extremist. 

The keynote speaker will be retired Chief Robert Paudert   from the West Memphis Arkansas, Police Department and Trooper Todd McGhee.

They will discuss the latest trends in domestic terrorist threats to our communities and law enforcement officers, according to Canton Police Chief Kenneth N. Berkowitz.

Chief Paudert’s son, Sgt. Brandon Paudert was gunned down in 2010 by  father and son Joe and Jerry Kane, who subscribed to the Sovereign Citizen ideology.

In the last five years, the anti-government Sovereign Citizens extremist group has experienced a resurgence in membership and violent activity. Self-proclaimed sovereign citizens believe they are above most state and federal laws, according to a press release sent by the CPD. Many of these lawless citizens have committed lone acts of violence or used deadly force against public safety officials. Law enforcement officials must be trained to detect the high-risk behavior associated with “Lone Wolf” extremists while on patrol, according to the press release.

The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bank of Canton Headquarters on 490 Turnpike St.