Share

Oregon Militia Plans to Hold Meeting With Local Community, Discuss Exit Strategy

A local judge in OR has declared that the leader of armed ranchers now occupying a national wildlife refuge are racking up expenses for the county and should foot the bill of $75,000 a day.

Advertisement

Since the armed protesters took over the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge 10 days ago, Harney County has seen an increase in “vandalism, harassment and intimidation reports”, Sheriff Dave Ward said.

The leader of an armed group occupying a national wildlife refuge said Thursday a meeting with local residents will happen but it’s not clear when and where because the group is struggling to find a place for the gathering.

“The people on the refuge – and those who they have called to our community – obviously have no consideration for the wishes or needs of the people of Harney County”, the sheriff said.

“It’s still in limbo”, Bundy said. The group stormed the refuge to protest the federal government’s land regulations and the imprisonment of two Harney County ranchers in an arson case. “We will be going into town and holding a meeting with the community, to explain to the community … why we’re here and when we will be leaving”.

According to AP, Bundy has refused to cooperate with local law enforcement, residents, and the OR governor’s request that the group leave the federal property.

Matt Shea said he and fellow state Rep. Graham Hunt first met with local officials and the Federal Bureau of Investigation before going out to the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge to meet with the armed militants. They have also demanded the transfer of the federally owned land to the county, according to KTVZ-TV.

“The rhetoric doesn’t help the situation and I think it’s really important to have elected officials speaking out about this”, Rokala said.

“Removing fences, damaging any Refuge property, or unauthorized use of equipment would be additional unlawful actions by the illegal occupiers”, Fish and Wildlife said in a statement.

Advertisement

“I am very upset”, Puckett told the paper. The protest in Burns occurred after the father and son, who had already served jail time, were ordered to return to prison by a court that found the initial sentences were lighter than the statutory minimum of five years. He said he resigned because he has lost faith in the government and feels intimidated and betrayed by local officials.

Oregon sign