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Version 11 Version 12
Last Oregon militia members say they will turn themselves over to FBI – as it happened Last Oregon militia members say they will turn themselves over to FBI – as it happened
(5 days later)
8.26am GMT8.26am GMT
08:2608:26
We’re wrapping up our live coverage for now, but will have all the latest developments ahead of the expected surrender of the remaining occupiers at 8am PST Thursday – you’ll be able to find that here.We’re wrapping up our live coverage for now, but will have all the latest developments ahead of the expected surrender of the remaining occupiers at 8am PST Thursday – you’ll be able to find that here.
In the meantime, here’s our latest news round-up. Thanks for reading.In the meantime, here’s our latest news round-up. Thanks for reading.
Related: Oregon militia standoff: promise of surrender follows dramatic night of negotiationsRelated: Oregon militia standoff: promise of surrender follows dramatic night of negotiations
8.03am GMT8.03am GMT
08:0308:03
Latest summaryLatest summary
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
We are not surrendering, we’re turning ourselves in …We are not surrendering, we’re turning ourselves in …
It goes against everything we believe in but we’re going to do it.It goes against everything we believe in but we’re going to do it.
It has never been the FBI’s desire to engage these armed occupiers in any way other than through dialogue, and to that end, the FBIhas negotiated with patience and restraint in an effort to resolve the situation peacefully.It has never been the FBI’s desire to engage these armed occupiers in any way other than through dialogue, and to that end, the FBIhas negotiated with patience and restraint in an effort to resolve the situation peacefully.
However, we reached a point where it became necessary to take action.However, we reached a point where it became necessary to take action.
7.44am GMT7.44am GMT
07:4407:44
The FBI has issued this (very pithy) press release:The FBI has issued this (very pithy) press release:
Cliven Bundy was taken into federal custody on the evening of Wednesday, February 10, 2016, in Portland.Cliven Bundy was taken into federal custody on the evening of Wednesday, February 10, 2016, in Portland.
Further information on the charges is expected to be available on Thursday morning.Further information on the charges is expected to be available on Thursday morning.
7.40am GMT7.40am GMT
07:4007:40
It’s understood that Cliven Bundy has been charged in relation to a separate standoff, in Nevada, which took place in 2014.It’s understood that Cliven Bundy has been charged in relation to a separate standoff, in Nevada, which took place in 2014.
That began when the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) wanted to seize cows belonging to Cliven Bundy – a Nevada rancher and the father of Ammon and Ryan Bundy, key figures in the Oregon standoff – over $1.2m (£840,000) in unpaid fees for grazing on federal land over two decades.That began when the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) wanted to seize cows belonging to Cliven Bundy – a Nevada rancher and the father of Ammon and Ryan Bundy, key figures in the Oregon standoff – over $1.2m (£840,000) in unpaid fees for grazing on federal land over two decades.
Bundy rejected the agency’s authority, triggering the faceoff. He continued to graze his cattle on federal land and has said he would not pay the bill.Bundy rejected the agency’s authority, triggering the faceoff. He continued to graze his cattle on federal land and has said he would not pay the bill.
7.26am GMT7.26am GMT
07:2607:26
Sam Levin has been talking to Mike Arnold, Ammon Bundy’s attorney who is currently driving with assemblywoman Fiore to the refuge.Sam Levin has been talking to Mike Arnold, Ammon Bundy’s attorney who is currently driving with assemblywoman Fiore to the refuge.
Arnold confirmed by phone that Cliven Bundy has been arrested, which he said he learned from the FBI.Arnold confirmed by phone that Cliven Bundy has been arrested, which he said he learned from the FBI.
He said he worried it could derail the plan for a resolution at the refuge on Thursday morning:He said he worried it could derail the plan for a resolution at the refuge on Thursday morning:
“It’s unfortunate timing considering all the progress that we made this evening, but I hope that the folks at the refuge find some positive observations out of it.“It’s unfortunate timing considering all the progress that we made this evening, but I hope that the folks at the refuge find some positive observations out of it.
“Cliven was arrested safely and without incident, without harm.“Cliven was arrested safely and without incident, without harm.
“So we’re hoping tomorrow everything turns out the same and everybody can be in that courtroom together arguing their position.”“So we’re hoping tomorrow everything turns out the same and everybody can be in that courtroom together arguing their position.”
7.22am GMT7.22am GMT
07:2207:22
Oregonian reporter Les Zait says Cliven Bundy has been detained in relation to a separate standoff, which took place in neighbouring Nevada in 2004:Oregonian reporter Les Zait says Cliven Bundy has been detained in relation to a separate standoff, which took place in neighbouring Nevada in 2004:
BREAKING: Cliven Bundy arrested in Portland Wednesday night on federal charges for the 2014 standoff in Nevada with federal agents.BREAKING: Cliven Bundy arrested in Portland Wednesday night on federal charges for the 2014 standoff in Nevada with federal agents.
MORE: Among the charges Cliven Bundy faces is conspiracy to interfere with federal officers. The same charge his sons face for OR takeover.MORE: Among the charges Cliven Bundy faces is conspiracy to interfere with federal officers. The same charge his sons face for OR takeover.
7.14am GMT7.14am GMT
07:1407:14
In a brief phone chat with the Guardian’s Sam Levin just after 11pm PST, Cliven Bundy’s wife Carol confirmed that he had flown in, but said she didn’t know if he had been detained.In a brief phone chat with the Guardian’s Sam Levin just after 11pm PST, Cliven Bundy’s wife Carol confirmed that he had flown in, but said she didn’t know if he had been detained.
Two Bundy sons – Ammon and Ryan – are already being held in Multnomah county jail in connection with the Malheur refuge standoff.Two Bundy sons – Ammon and Ryan – are already being held in Multnomah county jail in connection with the Malheur refuge standoff.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.19am GMTat 7.19am GMT
7.12am GMT7.12am GMT
07:1207:12
Cliven Bundy arrestedCliven Bundy arrested
I’m now seeing reports that Cliven Bundy – the father of Oregon militia leader Ammon Bundy, and who earlier told the Guardian he was on the way to the site of the standoff – has been detained and is being held in Multnomah county jail.I’m now seeing reports that Cliven Bundy – the father of Oregon militia leader Ammon Bundy, and who earlier told the Guardian he was on the way to the site of the standoff – has been detained and is being held in Multnomah county jail.
Cliven Bundy has been arrested and is in Multnomah County Jail #Oregonstandoff pic.twitter.com/BTdX5LTBLCCliven Bundy has been arrested and is in Multnomah County Jail #Oregonstandoff pic.twitter.com/BTdX5LTBLC
We are working to verify this information.We are working to verify this information.
6.31am GMT6.31am GMT
06:3106:31
What we know so farWhat we know so far
We are not surrendering, we’re turning ourselves in …We are not surrendering, we’re turning ourselves in …
It goes against everything we believe in but we’re going to do it.It goes against everything we believe in but we’re going to do it.
It has never been the FBI’s desire to engage these armed occupiers in any way other than through dialogue, and to that end, the FBI has negotiated with patience and restraint in an effort to resolve the situation peacefully.It has never been the FBI’s desire to engage these armed occupiers in any way other than through dialogue, and to that end, the FBI has negotiated with patience and restraint in an effort to resolve the situation peacefully.
However, we reached a point where it became necessary to take action.However, we reached a point where it became necessary to take action.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.32am GMTat 6.32am GMT
6.26am GMT6.26am GMT
06:2606:26
Julia Carrie WongJulia Carrie Wong
Michele Fiore was a Republican state legislator – barely known outside Nevada – before she was thrust into the heart of the Oregon militia standoff on Wednesday in the most dramatic and bizarre of circumstances.Michele Fiore was a Republican state legislator – barely known outside Nevada – before she was thrust into the heart of the Oregon militia standoff on Wednesday in the most dramatic and bizarre of circumstances.
Shortly after the FBI closed in on the armed militia, sparking panic among the four remaining occupiers at the Malheur national wildlife refuge, Fiore was on the line acting as a mediator with law enforcement officials.Shortly after the FBI closed in on the armed militia, sparking panic among the four remaining occupiers at the Malheur national wildlife refuge, Fiore was on the line acting as a mediator with law enforcement officials.
Her dramatic conversations with the militia, whom she pleaded to hold back from confronting the FBI, were broadcast, in real time, on YouTube, in a live-stream that at one stage had upwards of 60,000 listeners.Her dramatic conversations with the militia, whom she pleaded to hold back from confronting the FBI, were broadcast, in real time, on YouTube, in a live-stream that at one stage had upwards of 60,000 listeners.
Read more about Fiore in our profile here:Read more about Fiore in our profile here:
Related: Who is Michele Fiore? What we know about the Oregon standoff negotiatorRelated: Who is Michele Fiore? What we know about the Oregon standoff negotiator
6.15am GMT6.15am GMT
06:1506:15
As the four occupiers decided to turn in for the night – ahead of their scheduled meeting on Thursday morning in which the turning-in will be to the FBI – live stream host Gavin Seim played them a song by Victoria Sharp.As the four occupiers decided to turn in for the night – ahead of their scheduled meeting on Thursday morning in which the turning-in will be to the FBI – live stream host Gavin Seim played them a song by Victoria Sharp.
Sam Levin reports:Sam Levin reports:
Sharp, an 18-year-old from Kansas, became a key figure in the standoff after she spoke out about LaVoy Finicum’s shooting.Sharp, an 18-year-old from Kansas, became a key figure in the standoff after she spoke out about LaVoy Finicum’s shooting.
Sharp was in the car with Finicum when law enforcement officials stopped them on a remote highway. She later told reporters that Finicum had his hands up when he was fatally shot – a claim the FBI has refuted.Sharp was in the car with Finicum when law enforcement officials stopped them on a remote highway. She later told reporters that Finicum had his hands up when he was fatally shot – a claim the FBI has refuted.
The New York Times profiled the Sharp Family Band, which came to Oregon to perform for protesters. The family gospel band was also present at Cliven Bundy’s 2014 standoff with the federal government in Nevada. To Oregon, Victoria’s mother, Odalis Sharp, brought eight of her kids, aged five to 18.The New York Times profiled the Sharp Family Band, which came to Oregon to perform for protesters. The family gospel band was also present at Cliven Bundy’s 2014 standoff with the federal government in Nevada. To Oregon, Victoria’s mother, Odalis Sharp, brought eight of her kids, aged five to 18.
When the family was waiting to hear if Victoria had survived the shooting with police, the family sang gospel songs inside a crowded senior center – sobbing all the way through, according to the Times.When the family was waiting to hear if Victoria had survived the shooting with police, the family sang gospel songs inside a crowded senior center – sobbing all the way through, according to the Times.
6.01am GMT6.01am GMT
06:0106:01
Why did the FBI move in now?Why did the FBI move in now?
The FBI has not commented publicly on the move to bring to an end the 40-day standoff since an early press release confirmed agents had circled the refuge.The FBI has not commented publicly on the move to bring to an end the 40-day standoff since an early press release confirmed agents had circled the refuge.
Greg Bretzing, special agent in charge of the FBI in Oregon, said then:Greg Bretzing, special agent in charge of the FBI in Oregon, said then:
It has never been the FBI’s desire to engage these armed occupiers in any way other than through dialogue, and to that end, the FBI has negotiated with patience and restraint in an effort to resolve the situation peacefully.It has never been the FBI’s desire to engage these armed occupiers in any way other than through dialogue, and to that end, the FBI has negotiated with patience and restraint in an effort to resolve the situation peacefully.
However, we reached a point where it became necessary to take action in a way that best ensured the safety of those on the refuge, the law enforcement officers who are on scene, and the people of Harney County who live and work in this area.However, we reached a point where it became necessary to take action in a way that best ensured the safety of those on the refuge, the law enforcement officers who are on scene, and the people of Harney County who live and work in this area.
5.57am GMT
05:57
It should be pointed out that reports of the 8am checkpoint meeting have come entirely from the occupiers themselves.
The FBI has not confirmed the agreement, and is probably unlikely to, ahead of it taking place.
5.54am GMT
05:54
After another round of prayers, the four occupiers say they are going to try to get some sleep ahead of their scheduled meeting with the FBI at 8am PST Thursday – when they will turn themselves in.
Fiore confirms she will be on the scene on Thursday morning.
She says the first amendment and the free press are the reason the four are alive tonight.
5.31am GMT
05:31
What we know so far
We are not surrendering, we’re turning ourselves in …
It goes against everything we believe in but we’re going to do it.
Updated
at 5.34am GMT
5.22am GMT
05:22
'We're going to turn ourselves in'
Sean Anderson repeats that the occupiers intend to “turn ourselves in” on Thursday morning.
In the meantime, he says, they want to return to their camp and sleep for the night, before meeting the FBI (along with Fiore and Franklin Graham, potentially) at the checkpoint:
I just hope that they keep their word. We’ll keep our word. And we’ll clear this up in the morning.
Anderson tells Fiore:
We are not surrendering, we’re turning ourselves in …
It goes against everything we believe in but we’re going to do it.
We’re going to walk one after another, with the flag, and we’re going to turn ourselves in.
5.17am GMT
05:17
This map shows the layout of the Malheur wildlife refuge. The four occupiers say they are no longer inside the buildings but are camping in the grounds.
A map of the Wildlife Headquarters including where the last 4 remaining occupiers are camping.#OregonStandoff pic.twitter.com/RGcmoW4Lfc
5.16am GMT
05:16
Sandy Anderson is back on the phone. She says the media has described them as “armed occupiers and militia”.
“They demonised us,” she says.
5.09am GMT
05:09
Occupiers say they will meet FBI at checkpoint at 8am
The tone of the occupiers is becoming more conciliatory.
Sean Anderson tells Seim that the FBI has offered to meet them at a checkpoint at 8am (PST) on Thursday.
He says the four of them have agreed to leave their weapons in their vehicles before approaching the checkpoint.
Both Andersons say they want the media to be present at the checkpoint.
“The world’s going to be watching,” says Seim. “They’re not just going to haul you away into the darkness.”
5.04am GMT
05:04
The occupiers continue to mull over their options.
Sandy Anderson:
I can’t even describe to how wrong it feels to be giving myself into the hands of the enemy.
Gavin Seim:
Don’t – give yourself into the hands of god.
Anderson says if they are arrested, they will lose their rights, including to vote and to own weapons.
5.01am GMT
05:01
What are the charges the four occupiers are facing? Sam Levin explains:
The four holdouts – along with 12 others associated with the standoff who have already been taken into custody – are all facing federal felony charges of conspiracy to impede officers from discharging official duties through the use of force, intimidation or threats.
If convicted, they could face six-year prison sentences, meaning the militia members may end up spending more time behind bars than the two Oregon ranchers whose imprisonment inspired the standoff.
The charge of impeding government officials is a broad allegation that experts say covers many of the illegal actions that have occurred at the federally protected wildlife sanctuary.
The basic contention of federal prosecutors is that protesters’ armed occupation blocked government workers from executing their duties at the refuge.
Prosecutors largely targeted high-profile leaders and militia members and then added the four holdouts to the case in a recent grand jury indictment.
4.57am GMT
04:57
Gavin Seim, hosting the broadcast, tells Sandy Anderson that Ammon Bundy and other arrested militia members have been taken out of solitary confinement.
Anderson doesn’t seem impressed – she says the FBI wants to end the occupation at the refuge so they can add extra charges to those already held, and the four who remain. She says they will never see the light of day again.
Seim says retreat isn’t always the end.
“But we will be prisoners,” says Sandy Anderson.