Oregon Militia Standoff
Map of Oregon
On January 2 an Oregon militia occupied the headquarters of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. They were occupying in order to protest the “tyranny of the federal government”. The police confronted the militia, which resulted in a shoot out. In the shootout no police were hurt, but one militia member was killed, and another was injured. There have been eleven arrests so far, including the leaders, Ammon and Ryan Bundy. The Bundy family is known for its extremity, and their father, Cliven Bundy (Ammon and Ryan’s father), was involved in his own militia standoff in Nevada over cattle-grazing rights.
The Bundy’s goal was for the government to turn federally owned land to local citizens, in particular ranchers, loggers, and miners. However, none of the militiamen were actually locals of Harney County, Oregon. They are traveling freedom fighters, and have involved themselves with several other fights for different local areas in different parts of the country.
While the Bundy’s and nine other members of their militia have been arrested, it is believed that four of the militants are still occupying the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, the wildlife refuge where the shootout took place. The Bundy’s and the other arrested members face federal charges of counts of conspiracy to impede officers of the United States from discharging their official duties through the use of force, intimidation or threats. Shortly after his arrest, Bundy released an official statement telling the remaining members of his militia to stand down, leave Malheur, and go home. However, Bundy has also said that the occupation was necessary, and called on state and federal law enforcement to leave Oregon.
Links:
http://www.vox.com/2016/1/3/10703712/oregon-militia-standoff
http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/04/us/oregon-standoff-ammon-bundy/
http://www.oregonlive.com/oregon-standoff/2016/02/oregon_standoff_day_35_what_yo_1.html