Bill Cooper was shot and killed by law enforcement officers in 2001 during a confrontation at his home in Arizona.
Milton William “Bill” Cooper was a controversial figure known for his conspiracy theories and anti-government sentiments. He gained a significant following in the 1990s through his shortwave radio program, “The Hour of the Time,” and his book “Behold a Pale Horse,” where he discussed a variety of conspiracy theories, including the existence of a secret global elite, UFO cover-ups, and government corruption.
On November 5, 2001, deputies from the Apache County Sheriff’s Office attempted to execute an arrest warrant for Cooper at his home in Eagar, Arizona. The warrant was related to charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and endangering law enforcement officers. Cooper had previously vowed that he would not be taken alive by authorities.
According to reports, when deputies attempted to apprehend Cooper, he fled in his vehicle and then confronted them on foot. During the confrontation, Cooper was armed and shot one of the deputies in the head. The deputies returned fire, fatally wounding Cooper. The injured deputy survived the encounter.
Cooper’s death was seen by his supporters as a martyrdom, while critics viewed it as the inevitable outcome of his increasingly militant anti-government stance. His legacy continues to influence various conspiracy theory circles and anti-government groups.