Texas independence leader suddenly dies

Tributes have been paid to a prominent Texas independence campaigner who passed away unexpectedly on June 30.

David Thomas Roberts was a member of the secessionist Texas Nationalist Movement’s (TNM) advisory board and founded Defiance Press & Publishing, a company which purports to focus on “God, country, liberty, and conservatism.”

Activists pushing for Texan independence have achieved a number of major policy victories in the past few months amid ongoing tensions between state authorities and the federal government over illegal migration and education. In June the Republican Party of Texas included a referendum on Texas becoming an independent state as a “legislative priority” in its 2024 platform, which had been approved by members at the party’s convention in San Antonio the previous month. The convention also saw supporters of an independence referendum elected as the party’s chair and vice-chair.

In a statement published on July 1 TNM President Daniel Miller said: “With a heavy heart, I share the news of David Thomas Roberts’ passing. Dave, a valued member of our Advisory Board, a passionate advocate for Texas independence, and a dear friend has left us too soon.

“Dave’s impact on our movement can’t be overstated. His unwavering dedication and tireless efforts to champion Texas independence have left an enduring mark on all of us. We’ll sorely miss his vision, passion, and invaluable contributions.”

Miller also noted that his 2018 book Texit: Why and How Texas Will Leave the Union had been published by Defiance Press & Publishing because of Roberts “believing strongly in our mission.”

He added: “Dave’s role on our Advisory Board was crucial. His knowledge, insight, and determination guided us through challenging times. A true Texas patriot, his love for our state shone through in everything he did.”

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Mike Church, a conservative leaning radio host and self-styled “commie hater,” said Roberts’ death had been sudden.

He wrote: “I am shocked and saddened to learn of my dear friend David Thomas Roberts’s sudden death.

“David was a Christian trailblazer and patriot in every sense of the word. Matter of fact, I JUST interviewed him last Wednesday on The Mike Church Show.”

Defiance Daily, a conservative-leaning website run by Defiance Press & Publishing, also paid tribute to Roberts in an online post published on July 1.

It said: “With profound sadness and a heavy heart, we announce the passing of our founder and CEO of Defiance Press & Publishing, David Thomas Roberts, who left us yesterday. Dave was a visionary leader, a dedicated patriot, and an unwavering advocate for liberty and conservative values.

“Dave founded Defiance Press & Publishing with a mission to amplify voices that champion freedom, individual rights, and American and Texan exceptionalism. Under his leadership, our company flourished, providing a platform for authors and thinkers who believe in the principles of liberty and self-governance.”

A poll conducted exclusively for Newsweek earlier this year found 23 percent of Texans would vote for the state to become “an independent country” in a hypothetical independence referendum, against 67 percent who want it to remain “a state within the United States.” The remaining 10 percent said they were unsure.