The True Story Behind Nick Offerman’s ‘Sovereign,’ Explained

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The series Sovereign stars Nick Offerman and Jacob Tremblay as Jerry and Joe Kane, a father and son. Jerry believes he’s exempt from most laws as a ‘sovereign citizen’ and strongly opposes the government. As a single father raising his teenage son, Jerry pulls Joe into his increasingly radical worldview and way of life.

Jerry Kane traveled the country, leading seminars and giving online talks to spread the ideas of the sovereign citizen movement and questionable legal theories about debt, taxes, and the government. He preyed on people’s feelings of helplessness and anger, urging them to fight against what he called “the system.” The film contrasts Jerry and his son, Joe, with Detective John Bourchart and his son, Adam, emphasizing the differing values at play. The story culminates in a tense confrontation between the Kanes and Detective Bourchart, with devastating results.

The film Sovereign, starring Ed Offerman, Lily Trembley, Dennis Quaid, Nancy Travis, Martha Plimpton, and others, tells the story of Americans living outside the bounds of the law and traditional government. The film’s plot will likely resonate with many viewers, as it’s based on the true story of events that occurred in Arkansas in 2010 and the people who lived through them.

Jerry Kane Was a Self-Identified “Sovereign Citizen” Who Was Adamant in His Anti-Government Beliefs


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Jerry Kane, originally from Ohio, was a widower who raised his son, Joe, among a group of people who didn’t think they had to follow the law. These individuals, known as “sovereign citizens,” shared their beliefs, which frequently brought them into conflict with local police.

You know, I recently heard a funny story about Jerry. Apparently, he got pulled over in New Mexico and it turned out he didn’t have a driver’s license! He actually told the whole thing on a radio show, and it was pretty wild. He explained everything that happened…

I encountered a group resembling a Nazi checkpoint while in New Mexico. They were demanding identification and threatened to arrest anyone who couldn’t provide it. Feeling threatened and under pressure, I had to interact with them, and I was held there for 47 hours.

Jerry also said he was going to file kidnapping charges against the police.

Jerry had been known for a while, traveling the US and holding seminars that claimed to show people how to get out of paying debts like mortgages and credit cards. JJ McNab, a taxation and insurance specialist, says the police had been monitoring Jerry’s activities for years.

On May 20, 2010, police officers Bill Evans and Brandon Paudert didn’t pull Jerry over near West Memphis, Arkansas, because they suspected him of drug activity. While the stop was part of a larger effort to intercept drugs being transported on the interstate, the officers were initially concerned about the vehicle’s registration and the fact that Jerry didn’t have proper identification. These issues would eventually lead to a series of escalating events.

When Jerry and Joe Kane Were Pulled Over, the Traffic Stop Escalated Into a Shootout


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I remember reading about this case – it’s pretty intense. On May 20, 2010, Officer Bill Evans pulled over a white minivan with Ohio plates in West Memphis, Arkansas. His partner, Brandon Paudert, stayed in the police SUV. Right away, the stop became a confrontation. Apparently, the driver, Jerry Kane, started arguing with Evans, and things quickly escalated into a physical struggle, which is when Paudert came over to help.

A disagreement between the Kanes, Evans, and Paudert turned violent. Joseph Kane got out of a vehicle carrying a semi-automatic rifle and shot at Paudert and Evans. Both Paudert and Evans then ran away, leaving Kane and Evans with deadly injuries.

I heard the story about how Evans and Brandon Paudert were hit while they were on the highway – a driver passing by actually called 911. It must have been awful. Chief Paudert, Brandon’s dad, told me how he felt pulling up to the scene… it’s something I can only imagine.

Driving onto the highway, I saw Officer Brandon lying injured. It was clear he’d been shot in a gunfight – the back of his head was severely wounded. It was the worst day of my life.

Sergeant Brandon Paudert and Officer Bill Evans both succumbed to their injuries after the shooting.

The Manhunt For the Kanes Lasted Just 90 Minutes


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As the Kanes left Evans and Paudert, police started looking for them. About 90 minutes later, Sheriff Dick Busby and Deputy W.A. Wren of Crittenden County found them in a Walmart parking lot.

When local police responded to the situation, Arkansas wildlife officer Michael K. Neal arrived to find Busby and Wren exchanging gunfire with the Kanes. Realizing how dangerous the situation was, Neal intentionally used his truck to disable the Kanes’ minivan, preventing them from getting away, though this caused them to start shooting at him.

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Neal shot back with his rifle as more officers arrived at the scene. During the shooting, both Jerry and Joseph Kane were killed. Sheriff Busby and Deputy Wren were wounded, but Neal was not injured.

How Jerry Kane Came to His Anti-Government Stance


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According to his partner, Donna Lee Wray, Jerry Kane was deeply affected by the death of his young daughter years before, as reported by Knoxnews. He had opposed an autopsy, but it was performed anyway. While Kane never publicly confirmed it, many believe this event significantly changed his beliefs and worldview.

It’s important to understand that Kane’s problems with the government were complex. CBS News reports that he started identifying as a “sovereign citizen” in 2003, when he lost his job and faced losing his home. This led him to travel with his son and host seminars about debt. Kane had a history of conflicts with law enforcement, and these experiences likely fueled his distrust of authority, ultimately contributing to the shooting incident.

Sometimes, people who operate outside of mainstream society, even criminals like Ted Kaczynski or Marvin Heemeyer (the “killdozer” operator), become strangely famous. But Kane stands out as a truly frightening example of how dangerous extreme beliefs can be.

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2026-02-17 23:08