US Southern Command cancels 'Sound of Freedom' screenings

The United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has cancelled two planned screenings of the anti-trafficking film "Sound of Freedom," which has become an unexpected blockbuster hit.

Released on July 4, the film is based on the true story of Department of Homeland Security Agent Tim Ballard, who left his post to rescue the victims of child human-and-sex trafficking. Jim Caviezel stars as Ballard. SOUTHCOM was originally slated to screen the film on Aug. 28 and Oct. 19, The Hill reported. U.S. Army Garrison-Miami (USAG-M) intended to screen the film to educate personnel about the relevant issue that sometimes affects the military command.

Army Col. Emanuel Ortiz confirmed the cancellations to the The Hill, saying "a determination was made to cancel the screenings ... Individuals interested in viewing the film can still do so at a local theater of their choosing. The now canceled screening was intended to help raise awareness of the nexus between [transnational criminal organizations] and human rights abuses they frequently commit as part of their human smuggling activities."

"Sound of Freedom" has faced considerable scrutiny from legacy and left-wing media, who have repeatedly attempted to tie the film to QAnon conspiracy theories. Law enforcement officials, however, have contended that the problem of human trafficking is a monumental issue facing federal agencies.

"This is a wildfire. I haven't seen Sound of Freedom," former FBI Intelligence Chief Kevin Brock said in an August appearance on the "Just the News, No Noise" television show. "But I can almost assure your audience that whatever they saw there is worse in reality. And human trafficking, the exploitation of children is so mind numbingly devastating that it's hard to watch."

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.