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| Oregon militia standoff: dramatic final surrender at wildlife refuge – live | Oregon militia standoff: dramatic final surrender at wildlife refuge – live |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 10.23pm GMT | |
| 22:23 | |
| Bretzing, FBI special agent, acknowledged the unique nature of this armed standoff unfolding on live YouTube streams over the last day. | |
| “We’ve discussed this quite frequently,” he said. “Law enforcement is continually changing as is the social media environment, technology, and yes, we’ve had instances like this in the past and we’ll likely have many more in the future.” | |
| He said the FBI would continue to “revise our techniques” in response to changes in social media trends. | |
| 10.17pm GMT | |
| 22:17 | |
| Bretzing said he was looking forward to seeing the local community heal: “Over the course of the last month, the people of Harney County have lived through an experience that is both emotionally exhausting and physically trying,” he said. “We have seen the confusion, concern and trouble that the occupiers’ actions have caused for this community.” | |
| Harney County sheriff Dave Ward is offering a very emotional speech now. “I’m proud of this community. I’m proud of my friends and neighbors. I’m proud of the way you stood up to this stuff,” he said. “It’s torn our community apart. I see it tearing our country apart. But right now we have the opportunity as people in this great nation … to come out and work through our differences and start getting things back together.” | |
| Ward said: “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” He added a plea to the community toward the end of his remarks: “Get off of Facebook and talk to each other in person.” | |
| 10.11pm GMT | |
| 22:11 | |
| Greg Bretzing, FBI special agent in charge in Oregon, is outlining federal officials’ plans moving forward at a press conference in Burns now. | |
| He said that the Malheur national wildlife refuge will remain closed for weeks and that law enforcement plans to search the “crime scene” to ensure that no other protesters remain in the federal buildings. FBI special agent bomb technicians will also analyze the scene to be sure there are no explosives. | |
| The FBI further has an “art crime team” that will work to investigate any damage to artifacts of the Burns Paiute tribe, which is the local Native American tribe. “These agents are specially-trained in cultural property investigations,” he said. | |
| 10.01pm GMT | |
| 22:01 | |
| My colleague Sam Levin’s latest piece details the entire extraordinary end. Levin has been one of the main reporters closely following the occupation at the Malheur refuge. | |
| The 41-day occupation of the federal complex in rural Harney County built to an intense crescendo when the last remaining protester, David Fry, a 27-year-old from Ohio, was persuaded to abandon talk of violence and suicide to emerge from the refuge and hand himself over amid shouts of “hallelujah”. | |
| A continual YouTube live-stream of phone calls with the remaining occupants provided an unprecedented window into the occupiers’ deliberations, amid fraught and sometimes panicked discussions over the final 18 hours of the standoff. | |
| From the start, the heavily armed militia said the occupation could last for “several years”, with some saying they were willing to die for the cause. | |
| Related: Oregon militia standoff: final surrender met with shouts of 'hallelujah' | |
| Updated | |
| at 10.04pm GMT | |
| 9.52pm GMT | 9.52pm GMT |
| 21:52 | 21:52 |
| Five more militiamen charged | Five more militiamen charged |
| Federal prosecutors have filed conspiracy charges against five additional men involved in the standoff, according to court filings that were just unsealed. | Federal prosecutors have filed conspiracy charges against five additional men involved in the standoff, according to court filings that were just unsealed. |
| The men named in a new indictment are Blaine Cooper, Corey Lequieu, Neil Wampler, Jason Charles Blomgren and Darryl William Thorn. | The men named in a new indictment are Blaine Cooper, Corey Lequieu, Neil Wampler, Jason Charles Blomgren and Darryl William Thorn. |
| They are all facing the same charge that prosecutors have filed against the 16 others arrested activists, which is “conspiracy to impede officers of the US” by “force, intimidation and threats”. If convicted, they could face up to six years in prison. | They are all facing the same charge that prosecutors have filed against the 16 others arrested activists, which is “conspiracy to impede officers of the US” by “force, intimidation and threats”. If convicted, they could face up to six years in prison. |
| Cooper was a high-profile, vocal militia leader from Arizona, who disappeared from public view when the FBI began making arrests two weeks ago. His wife Melissa was one of the main cooks for the occupiers. | Cooper was a high-profile, vocal militia leader from Arizona, who disappeared from public view when the FBI began making arrests two weeks ago. His wife Melissa was one of the main cooks for the occupiers. |
| Lequieu, from Fallon, Nevada, was also a regular presence at the refuge. He recently told the Guardian that he left the occupation during the chaotic period after police killed militia spokesman LaVoy Finicum. | Lequieu, from Fallon, Nevada, was also a regular presence at the refuge. He recently told the Guardian that he left the occupation during the chaotic period after police killed militia spokesman LaVoy Finicum. |
| Wampler also spoke to the Guardian at the very start of the occupation, noting that he participated in Cliven Bundy’s 2014 standoff. The Oregonian later reported that Wampler, a retired California woodworker, had previously been convicted of second-degree murder. | Wampler also spoke to the Guardian at the very start of the occupation, noting that he participated in Cliven Bundy’s 2014 standoff. The Oregonian later reported that Wampler, a retired California woodworker, had previously been convicted of second-degree murder. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 9.53pm GMT | at 9.53pm GMT |
| 9.19pm GMT | 9.19pm GMT |
| 21:19 | 21:19 |
| The line of mostly reporters – and the anticipation – is building outside the courtroom where Cliven Bundy will appear in less than 20 minutes. The courtroom appears to be a larger one than the cramped room Bundy’s sons and their followers appeared in a couple weeks ago after being arrested. Federal Protective Services officers and a rather excited, young German Shepherd are checking the courtroom and hanging around the lobby. For now, all it’s quiet on the street outside the courthouse. | The line of mostly reporters – and the anticipation – is building outside the courtroom where Cliven Bundy will appear in less than 20 minutes. The courtroom appears to be a larger one than the cramped room Bundy’s sons and their followers appeared in a couple weeks ago after being arrested. Federal Protective Services officers and a rather excited, young German Shepherd are checking the courtroom and hanging around the lobby. For now, all it’s quiet on the street outside the courthouse. |
| 8.30pm GMT | 8.30pm GMT |
| 20:30 | 20:30 |
| Conrad Wilson, a reporter at Oregon Public Broadcasting, who was among the first on the scenes this morning, tells us that the four arrested occupiers are being held at Burns Municipal Airport, the location of the FBI’s makeshift headquarters in the area. | Conrad Wilson, a reporter at Oregon Public Broadcasting, who was among the first on the scenes this morning, tells us that the four arrested occupiers are being held at Burns Municipal Airport, the location of the FBI’s makeshift headquarters in the area. |
| Earlier Conrad saw a long convoy of SUVs and Oregon State Troopers emerge from the refuge and drive through a checkpoint. | Earlier Conrad saw a long convoy of SUVs and Oregon State Troopers emerge from the refuge and drive through a checkpoint. |
| Police have blocked roads back to Burns after convoy presumably carrying 4 remaining refuge militants pic.twitter.com/LYZOwNbSOk | Police have blocked roads back to Burns after convoy presumably carrying 4 remaining refuge militants pic.twitter.com/LYZOwNbSOk |
| 8.12pm GMT | 8.12pm GMT |
| 20:12 | 20:12 |
| Paul Lewis | Paul Lewis |
| The FBI has called a press conference for 2pm Pacific time (that’s in about two hours). Around the same time Cliven Bundy, the 69-year-old spiritual leader of the ultra-conservative federal lands movement, will appear in court 300 miles north, in Portland. | The FBI has called a press conference for 2pm Pacific time (that’s in about two hours). Around the same time Cliven Bundy, the 69-year-old spiritual leader of the ultra-conservative federal lands movement, will appear in court 300 miles north, in Portland. |
| We’ll bring you all the updates from both. | We’ll bring you all the updates from both. |
| After 41 days, the armed occupation of a remote federal wildlife refuge is over. But a new, more prolonged battle will now commence in the courts. Bundy, his two sons (Ammon and Ryan), and the four final holdouts who surrendered today are among the 16 people associated with the occupation now in custody and awaiting trial. They intend to use their idiosyncratic reading of the US Constitution to challenge the government’s case. | After 41 days, the armed occupation of a remote federal wildlife refuge is over. But a new, more prolonged battle will now commence in the courts. Bundy, his two sons (Ammon and Ryan), and the four final holdouts who surrendered today are among the 16 people associated with the occupation now in custody and awaiting trial. They intend to use their idiosyncratic reading of the US Constitution to challenge the government’s case. |
| If they lose, they face significant jail time. As Sam Levin has written, FBI and federal prosecutors have deliberately targeted the occupation’s leaders with a broad charge sheet that encompasses numerous offenses. | If they lose, they face significant jail time. As Sam Levin has written, FBI and federal prosecutors have deliberately targeted the occupation’s leaders with a broad charge sheet that encompasses numerous offenses. |
| 7.36pm GMT | 7.36pm GMT |
| 19:36 | 19:36 |
| FBI officials and federal prosecutors have released a statement about the end of the standoff, noting that no one was injured and no shots were fired during the final arrests on the 41st day of the occupation. The four holdouts will face an arraignment in federal court on Friday. | FBI officials and federal prosecutors have released a statement about the end of the standoff, noting that no one was injured and no shots were fired during the final arrests on the 41st day of the occupation. The four holdouts will face an arraignment in federal court on Friday. |
| A total of 16 people associated with the occupation are facing federal conspiracy charges. | A total of 16 people associated with the occupation are facing federal conspiracy charges. |
| Billy Williams, US attorney for the district of Oregon, said in a statement: | Billy Williams, US attorney for the district of Oregon, said in a statement: |
| The occupation of the Malheur Wildlife Refuge has been a long and traumatic episode for the citizens of Harney County and the members of the Burns Paiute tribe. It is a time for healing, reconciliation amongst neighbors and friends, and allowing for life to get back to normal. I want to thank our neighbors in eastern Oregon for their patience, resolve, and their kind and welcoming spirit to the many members of federal, county, state, local, and tribal law enforcement who have worked tirelessly to bring this illegal occupation to a conclusion. The fine work of so many dedicated public servants in a difficult endeavor cannot be understated. I am very proud of them all. | The occupation of the Malheur Wildlife Refuge has been a long and traumatic episode for the citizens of Harney County and the members of the Burns Paiute tribe. It is a time for healing, reconciliation amongst neighbors and friends, and allowing for life to get back to normal. I want to thank our neighbors in eastern Oregon for their patience, resolve, and their kind and welcoming spirit to the many members of federal, county, state, local, and tribal law enforcement who have worked tirelessly to bring this illegal occupation to a conclusion. The fine work of so many dedicated public servants in a difficult endeavor cannot be understated. I am very proud of them all. |
| 7.31pm GMT | 7.31pm GMT |
| 19:31 | 19:31 |
| Julia Carrie Wong | Julia Carrie Wong |
| The Guardian has received a copy of the 32-page federal complaint against Cliven Bundy, the father of the leaders of the standoff at the Malheur national wildlife refuge. He has been charged with six federal crimes stemming from his own standoff with the government in 2014. | The Guardian has received a copy of the 32-page federal complaint against Cliven Bundy, the father of the leaders of the standoff at the Malheur national wildlife refuge. He has been charged with six federal crimes stemming from his own standoff with the government in 2014. |
| A criminal complaint filed with the US district court of Nevada charges the Bundy patriarch with the following crimes: conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States; assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon; use and carry of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence; interference with commerce by extortion; obstruction of the administration of justice, and aiding and abetting. | A criminal complaint filed with the US district court of Nevada charges the Bundy patriarch with the following crimes: conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States; assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon; use and carry of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence; interference with commerce by extortion; obstruction of the administration of justice, and aiding and abetting. |
| He will appear in court at 1.30pm in Portland. | He will appear in court at 1.30pm in Portland. |
| 7.26pm GMT | 7.26pm GMT |
| 19:26 | 19:26 |
| The US Fish and Wildlife Service, which operates the Malheur national wildlife refuge, has released a statement expressing relief that the standoff is over and discussing next steps of investigating the “crime scene”. | The US Fish and Wildlife Service, which operates the Malheur national wildlife refuge, has released a statement expressing relief that the standoff is over and discussing next steps of investigating the “crime scene”. |
| Spokesman Jason Holm said: | Spokesman Jason Holm said: |
| We are relieved that the illegal occupation of Malheur NWR is over. While we are now able to look forward to a new beginning, there is still much that needs to be done so that the community and the larger public can be welcomed back to their refuge. We will be available, at the request of the FBI, to help in the long and painstaking job of processing the crime scene, and will be working to assess and repair damages caused by the occupation. Above all, we will begin to revitalize our deep connections in the local community and resume the dialog that has made Malheur a model of collaborative conservation. | We are relieved that the illegal occupation of Malheur NWR is over. While we are now able to look forward to a new beginning, there is still much that needs to be done so that the community and the larger public can be welcomed back to their refuge. We will be available, at the request of the FBI, to help in the long and painstaking job of processing the crime scene, and will be working to assess and repair damages caused by the occupation. Above all, we will begin to revitalize our deep connections in the local community and resume the dialog that has made Malheur a model of collaborative conservation. |
| 7.14pm GMT | 7.14pm GMT |
| 19:14 | 19:14 |
| Militia occupation over | Militia occupation over |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 7.18pm GMT | at 7.18pm GMT |
| 7.01pm GMT | 7.01pm GMT |
| 19:01 | 19:01 |
| David Fry surrendering | David Fry surrendering |
| David Fry, the final occupier at the Malheur national wildlife refuge, appears to be standing down. “I’m working towards them right now,” David Fry just stated on the call. | David Fry, the final occupier at the Malheur national wildlife refuge, appears to be standing down. “I’m working towards them right now,” David Fry just stated on the call. |
| “Keep walking my friend,” someone said on the other end. “Hold your hands up.” | “Keep walking my friend,” someone said on the other end. “Hold your hands up.” |
| KrisAnne Hall broke into tears and laughter once it appeared over. “I need a hot tub and a massage,” she joked. | KrisAnne Hall broke into tears and laughter once it appeared over. “I need a hot tub and a massage,” she joked. |
| 6.56pm GMT | 6.56pm GMT |
| 18:56 | 18:56 |
| Nearly three hours after the occupiers were originally scheduled to surrender, David Fry has shown no sign of standing down. The tone of the conversation, however, has deescalated in tone, but Fry remains insistent that he will not leave until his various demands are met. | Nearly three hours after the occupiers were originally scheduled to surrender, David Fry has shown no sign of standing down. The tone of the conversation, however, has deescalated in tone, but Fry remains insistent that he will not leave until his various demands are met. |
| “You guys should just leave me alone,” Fry said at one point. In the last half hour or so, he has discussed marijuana, UFOs, religion, taxes, politics and other topics. | “You guys should just leave me alone,” Fry said at one point. In the last half hour or so, he has discussed marijuana, UFOs, religion, taxes, politics and other topics. |
| 6.38pm GMT | 6.38pm GMT |
| 18:38 | 18:38 |
| David Fry just said on the live feed that he is now talking to an FBI negotiator. | David Fry just said on the live feed that he is now talking to an FBI negotiator. |
| Reportedly speaking directly to the FBI, he said: “I still don’t feel safe coming out. You guys are telling me I’m safe to get to you guys. But I don’t want to be put behind bars. I don’t want to take that risk. Man wasn’t made to be put behind bars for standing up for his own rights.” | Reportedly speaking directly to the FBI, he said: “I still don’t feel safe coming out. You guys are telling me I’m safe to get to you guys. But I don’t want to be put behind bars. I don’t want to take that risk. Man wasn’t made to be put behind bars for standing up for his own rights.” |
| Earlier, Fry grew frustrated with the mediators on the phone, saying: “I don’t care about the movement anymore. I’m doing this for me.” | Earlier, Fry grew frustrated with the mediators on the phone, saying: “I don’t care about the movement anymore. I’m doing this for me.” |
| 6.24pm GMT | 6.24pm GMT |
| 18:24 | 18:24 |
| At the refuge, David Fry is clearly in a very emotional state. In a disturbing development, in the last few minutes he has begun talking about suicide. The other negotiators are trying desperately to calm him down, and encouraging him to step outside. | At the refuge, David Fry is clearly in a very emotional state. In a disturbing development, in the last few minutes he has begun talking about suicide. The other negotiators are trying desperately to calm him down, and encouraging him to step outside. |
| In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. In the UK, the Samaritans can be contacted on 08457 90 90 90. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14. Hotlines in other countries can be found here. | In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. In the UK, the Samaritans can be contacted on 08457 90 90 90. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14. Hotlines in other countries can be found here. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 6.29pm GMT | at 6.29pm GMT |
| 6.22pm GMT | 6.22pm GMT |
| 18:22 | 18:22 |
| Cliven Bundy charged with assault, conspiracy | Cliven Bundy charged with assault, conspiracy |
| Some breaking news from outside of the refuge: The Associated Press is reporting that Cliven Bundy has been charged with assault and conspiracy for his 2014 standoff with the federal government at his Nevada ranch. | Some breaking news from outside of the refuge: The Associated Press is reporting that Cliven Bundy has been charged with assault and conspiracy for his 2014 standoff with the federal government at his Nevada ranch. |
| The 69-year-old rancher has for years refused to pay grazing fees to the government to have his cattle use public lands. The dispute reached a head when federal officials attempted to seize his cattle and armed anti-government protesters came to his aid. | The 69-year-old rancher has for years refused to pay grazing fees to the government to have his cattle use public lands. The dispute reached a head when federal officials attempted to seize his cattle and armed anti-government protesters came to his aid. |
| He still owes the government more than $1m. | He still owes the government more than $1m. |
| Cliven Bundy was arrested late Wednesday night in Portland. Earlier in the evening, he told the Guardian he was on his way to Oregon to support the occupiers. He is currently in jail in Portland. | Cliven Bundy was arrested late Wednesday night in Portland. Earlier in the evening, he told the Guardian he was on his way to Oregon to support the occupiers. He is currently in jail in Portland. |
| 6.17pm GMT | 6.17pm GMT |
| 18:17 | 18:17 |
| David Fry is telling the more than 25,000 listeners on the live YouTube stream that he fears going to prison. | David Fry is telling the more than 25,000 listeners on the live YouTube stream that he fears going to prison. |
| “They need to address my grievances. They need to promise me absolute protection,” Fry said. “Even if I go to prison, they should promise me absolute protection.” | “They need to address my grievances. They need to promise me absolute protection,” Fry said. “Even if I go to prison, they should promise me absolute protection.” |
| He also said he worried he would be attacked by other prisoners. | He also said he worried he would be attacked by other prisoners. |
| Gavin Seim, the live-streamer, told him not to be afraid: “Don’t be intimidated by a jail or prison cell.” He said the people in jail are like him – others who have been “abused by the government”. | Gavin Seim, the live-streamer, told him not to be afraid: “Don’t be intimidated by a jail or prison cell.” He said the people in jail are like him – others who have been “abused by the government”. |
| Fry continued: “I can’t come out guys. I can’t do it.” | Fry continued: “I can’t come out guys. I can’t do it.” |
| 6.07pm GMT | 6.07pm GMT |
| 18:07 | 18:07 |
| David Fry refuses to surrender | David Fry refuses to surrender |
| David Fry, the final occupier at the refuge, is now refusing to surrender. | David Fry, the final occupier at the refuge, is now refusing to surrender. |
| “Until my demands are met, I can’t come out ... I’m taking a stand. A stand means you’re willing to risk your life,” he said. | “Until my demands are met, I can’t come out ... I’m taking a stand. A stand means you’re willing to risk your life,” he said. |
| Asked what his demands are, he responded: “I’m trying to legitimately have a job ... I have a legit job. I’m paying taxes, but it’s going to abortion.” | Asked what his demands are, he responded: “I’m trying to legitimately have a job ... I have a legit job. I’m paying taxes, but it’s going to abortion.” |
| “How long do you have to go on without your grievances being addressed?” Fry continued. “I should be able to opt out of certain taxes,” he later added. | “How long do you have to go on without your grievances being addressed?” Fry continued. “I should be able to opt out of certain taxes,” he later added. |
| At one point, he shouted: “I declare war against the federal government as a citizen of the constitution.” | At one point, he shouted: “I declare war against the federal government as a citizen of the constitution.” |
| Gavin Seim and activist Krisanne Hall, who is also on the call, are trying to calm him down. | Gavin Seim and activist Krisanne Hall, who is also on the call, are trying to calm him down. |
| 5.50pm GMT | 5.50pm GMT |
| 17:50 | 17:50 |
| David Fry said on the live-stream that Jeff Banta, one of the four holdouts, is now leaving the occupation and surrendering. | David Fry said on the live-stream that Jeff Banta, one of the four holdouts, is now leaving the occupation and surrendering. |
| Fry, however, is now shouting demands at the FBI: “Unless my grievances are heard, I will not come out!” | Fry, however, is now shouting demands at the FBI: “Unless my grievances are heard, I will not come out!” |
| Gavin Seim, the live-streamer, tried to keep him calm: “Go and walk out there like the others ... We’ve got the world watching.” | Gavin Seim, the live-streamer, tried to keep him calm: “Go and walk out there like the others ... We’ve got the world watching.” |
| “They haven’t even promised anything, really. I didn’t agree to any of this, really. I’m kind of worried that they are just going to ignore us,” Fry said. | “They haven’t even promised anything, really. I didn’t agree to any of this, really. I’m kind of worried that they are just going to ignore us,” Fry said. |
| Seim responded: “It’s in God’s hands.” | Seim responded: “It’s in God’s hands.” |
| 5.41pm GMT | 5.41pm GMT |
| 17:41 | 17:41 |
| Occupiers walking out | Occupiers walking out |
| Sean Anderson has just said that FBI officials have told them to exit the refuge one at a time. Michele Fiore is no longer on the live-feed. | Sean Anderson has just said that FBI officials have told them to exit the refuge one at a time. Michele Fiore is no longer on the live-feed. |
| “You coming out, Sean?” Gavin Seim asked | “You coming out, Sean?” Gavin Seim asked |
| “Coming out!” Sean shouted on the video. “They’re walking toward us.” | “Coming out!” Sean shouted on the video. “They’re walking toward us.” |
| “It looks like they’ve got guns pointed at us,” David Fry said, adding that Jeff Banta is next to him. | “It looks like they’ve got guns pointed at us,” David Fry said, adding that Jeff Banta is next to him. |
| “They are basically patting her down and I think they are going to apprehend her there,” Fry said of Sandy Anderson. “Now, Sean is standing there holding the American flag in his hand.” | “They are basically patting her down and I think they are going to apprehend her there,” Fry said of Sandy Anderson. “Now, Sean is standing there holding the American flag in his hand.” |