According to sources in the area, Oregon militia leader Ammon Bundy is in police custody Tuesday night. Shots may or may not have been fired in the arrest.
Among the “protesters” at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge are American military veterans and those who falsely claim to be American military veterans.
This from the Oregonian:
Two people have been shot and Ammon Bundy is in custody, according to a YouTube live stream report by Pete Santilli, who was speaking outside a hospital in Burns.
Santilli, a self-styled journalist, took to social media to discuss the breaking development late Tuesday afternoon. He also reported that the FBI has told the protesters at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge that they are free to go and need to leave immediately.
Not sure if it’ll be that easy to shoo away the “protesters”. After all, #DaddySworeAnOath.
Multiple reports that Ammon Bundy, occupation leader, has been arrested but still no official confirmation.
— Les Zaitz (@LesZaitz) January 27, 2016
Police say a statement will be released soon about developments involving law enforcement action and the refuge occupiers. Details scarce.
— Les Zaitz (@LesZaitz) January 27, 2016
Les Zaitz is a senior investigative reporter for the Oregonian.
SECOND UPDATE: One person has reportedly been killed in the arrest of Bundy.
Breaking News: The leaders of an antigovernment standoff in Oregon have been arrested and one person has been killedhttps://t.co/nG7t4uod3G
— The New York Times (@nytimes) January 27, 2016
THIRD UPDATE: This from Gawker:
In a statement, the FBI on Tuesday confirmed earlier reports that Ammon Bundy and several other armed militants were arrested north of Burns, Oregon, after a traffic stop north of Burns, Oregon, turned violent. One of the militants was killed. Six people were arrested.
All of those arrested—Ammon Bundy; Ryan Bundy; Brian Cavalier; Shawna Cox; and Ryan Waylen Payne—are charged with conspiracy to impede a federal officer by force, which is a federal felony.
While the suspect killed hasn’t officially been identified by authorities, several sources are reporting that the deceased is LaVoy Finicum.
https://twitter.com/JohnLGC/status/692183856171081729
Occupier Jason Patrick at the refuge: We’re all standing here ready to defend our peaceful resolution.
— Les Zaitz (@LesZaitz) January 27, 2016
FOURTH UPDATE: Much to our surprise, former U.S. Marine Jon “Daddy Swore an Oath” Ritzheimer isn’t at the refuge anymore? But, but … how? We thought he swore an oath?
Anyway, he’s at home in Arizona visiting his family, according to his own Facebook page, and the following video that he posted, informing the masses that he was asked by federal authorities to turn himself in.
Here’s the caption that accompanied the video:
I came home to visit my family. The Feds know I am here and are asking me to turn myself in. I need an attorney so I can get back to my girls. Please help my family. Donations can be made at www.rogueinfidel.com to help with legal fees. Thank you all in advance. I just want the country to live by the Constitution and I just want the government to abide by it.
This is what the Bundy Ranch wrote about the situation on Facebook:
The resolve for principled liberty must go on.
It appears that America was fired upon by our government. One of liberty’s finest patriots is fallen. He will not go silent into eternity. Our appeal is to heaven.
FIFTH UPDATE:
https://twitter.com/passantino/status/692198489627967489
SIXTH UPDATE: A few are STILL hanging on, according to recent reports.
FBI searching anyone trying to leave wildlife refuge in Oregon. 5 to 6 militia members continuing standoff. https://t.co/j2hPFIqtOp
— KFDI News (@kfdinews) January 27, 2016
SEVENTH UPDATE: Ammon Bundy has a new message from jail for his remaining militia brethren at the wildlife refuge: GO HOME.
The Oregon militia leader is urging the remaining protestors occupying an Oregon wildlife refuge to stand down https://t.co/5xCmR7Fjqi
— New York Post (@nypost) January 28, 2016
Stay tuned to the blog for more on this developing story.