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| Oregon militia standoff: holdouts begin to leave refuge – live | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 5.50pm GMT | |
| 17:50 | |
| 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!” | |
| 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. | |
| Seim responded: “It’s in God’s hands.” | |
| 5.41pm GMT | |
| 17:41 | |
| 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. | |
| “You coming out, Sean?” Gavin Seim asked | |
| “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. | |
| “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.” | |
| 5.34pm GMT | |
| 17:34 | |
| Mike Arnold, Ammon Bundy’s lawyer, has arrived to the checkpoint near the refuge headquarters where reporters are camped out. Arnold, who traveled from Harney County to Portland with assemblywoman Michele Fiore on Wednesday night, addressed reporters now, saying he was still hoping for a peaceful resolution. | |
| He confirmed that Fiore is on her way. | |
| Arnold told the Guardian earlier today: “We’re keeping our fingers crossed for a peaceful resolution, and I’m hopeful that that’s gonna happen.” | |
| Ammon Bundy's attorney Mike Arnold reiterated points, Cliven's arrest shows those at the refuge it can be peaceful pic.twitter.com/bv1vjgUXBK | |
| Updated | |
| at 5.35pm GMT | |
| 5.23pm GMT | |
| 17:23 | |
| David Fry, the 27-year-old occupier from Ohio, jumped on the live YouTube video just now. He had previously been silent all morning. | |
| Fry sounded surprisingly upbeat: “It’s pretty cool how you all came along,” Fry said to Gavin Seim, the live-streamer. Asked how he was doing, Fry replied, “Not too bad.” | |
| Fry also began ranting about the federal government, the Obama administration, Muslims and abortion. “People need to start waking up, because they’re kind of putting themselves in a trap ... When will people realize that they need to stand up for their own dignity?” | |
| Sean and Sandy Anderson meanwhile said they were ready to walk out – and they claimed they would be unarmed. | |
| 5.16pm GMT | 5.16pm GMT |
| 17:16 | 17:16 |
| Latest summary | Latest summary |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 5.17pm GMT | at 5.17pm GMT |
| 5.07pm GMT | 5.07pm GMT |
| 17:07 | 17:07 |
| The Guardian just spoke by phone with Oregon Public Broadcasting reporter Conrad Wilson, who is at the refuge waiting for the expected surrender and showdown. He said that several dozen reporters are stationed a few miles away from the refuge headquarters where the occupiers are reportedly waiting for the arrival of assemblywoman Michele Fiore. | The Guardian just spoke by phone with Oregon Public Broadcasting reporter Conrad Wilson, who is at the refuge waiting for the expected surrender and showdown. He said that several dozen reporters are stationed a few miles away from the refuge headquarters where the occupiers are reportedly waiting for the arrival of assemblywoman Michele Fiore. |
| “Oregon state police has repeatedly asked the media to keep the lane clear and get out of the way,” Wilson said. “Vehicles may be coming through here soon.” | “Oregon state police has repeatedly asked the media to keep the lane clear and get out of the way,” Wilson said. “Vehicles may be coming through here soon.” |
| There are a handful of officers and law enforcement vehicles near the media and another more formal blockade or FBI checkpoint closer to the entrance to the wildlife sanctuary. Wilson said it’s very cold and foggy at the scene and hard to see far into the distance. | There are a handful of officers and law enforcement vehicles near the media and another more formal blockade or FBI checkpoint closer to the entrance to the wildlife sanctuary. Wilson said it’s very cold and foggy at the scene and hard to see far into the distance. |
| 4.51pm GMT | 4.51pm GMT |
| 16:51 | 16:51 |
| Michele Fiore is in a vehicle with the FBI and Franklin Graham and she says they are driving up to the refuge. | Michele Fiore is in a vehicle with the FBI and Franklin Graham and she says they are driving up to the refuge. |
| Fiore just asked the occupiers if they’ve eaten. | Fiore just asked the occupiers if they’ve eaten. |
| “We’re hoping to stop at Denny’s,” responded Sean Anderson, adding, “They need to pay for it because they’re using our tax dollars.” | “We’re hoping to stop at Denny’s,” responded Sean Anderson, adding, “They need to pay for it because they’re using our tax dollars.” |
| 4.44pm GMT | 4.44pm GMT |
| 16:44 | 16:44 |
| Odalis Sharp, a Kansas woman who was previously at the refuge, told viewers on the live-stream that militia leader Blaine Cooper has been arrested. The Guardian has not been able to confirm the news yet, but his wife, Melissa Cooper, just wrote on Facebook: “My husband Blaine Cooper was just arrested by the FBI....” | Odalis Sharp, a Kansas woman who was previously at the refuge, told viewers on the live-stream that militia leader Blaine Cooper has been arrested. The Guardian has not been able to confirm the news yet, but his wife, Melissa Cooper, just wrote on Facebook: “My husband Blaine Cooper was just arrested by the FBI....” |
| The couple is from Arizona. Melissa Cooper was one of the main cooks at the refuge during the occupation. Blaine Cooper was not included in a recent federal grand jury indictment that named 16 people. Blaine reportedly showed up at the recent funeral of militia leader LaVoy Finicum in Utah. | The couple is from Arizona. Melissa Cooper was one of the main cooks at the refuge during the occupation. Blaine Cooper was not included in a recent federal grand jury indictment that named 16 people. Blaine reportedly showed up at the recent funeral of militia leader LaVoy Finicum in Utah. |
| 4.36pm GMT | 4.36pm GMT |
| 16:36 | 16:36 |
| As of 8.30am local time, nearly 14,000 people were tuning into the live-stream of Gavin Seim, the conservative activist coordinating the phone calls and broadcast. | As of 8.30am local time, nearly 14,000 people were tuning into the live-stream of Gavin Seim, the conservative activist coordinating the phone calls and broadcast. |
| “We’ve got the world watching,” Seim told the occupiers. | “We’ve got the world watching,” Seim told the occupiers. |
| Assemblywoman Michele Fiore added: “Everyone is listening. You guys have a lot of support. It’s not just me.” | Assemblywoman Michele Fiore added: “Everyone is listening. You guys have a lot of support. It’s not just me.” |
| At it’s peak last night, the video feed attracted more than 60,000 people. | At it’s peak last night, the video feed attracted more than 60,000 people. |
| 4.31pm GMT | 4.31pm GMT |
| 16:31 | 16:31 |
| Assemblywoman Michele Fiore just told the occupiers that they have additional support “on the ground”. | Assemblywoman Michele Fiore just told the occupiers that they have additional support “on the ground”. |
| That includes assemblywoman Shelly Shelton, a Republican from Nevada, who recently got attention for her comments comparing slain militia leader LaVoy Finicum to Moses and Jesus. | That includes assemblywoman Shelly Shelton, a Republican from Nevada, who recently got attention for her comments comparing slain militia leader LaVoy Finicum to Moses and Jesus. |
| Fiore also said the occupiers had the support of Nevada assemblyman John Moore. Fiore and Moore are a part of presidential candidate Ted Cruz’s Nevada team. It’s unclear where Moore and Shelton are stationed right now. | Fiore also said the occupiers had the support of Nevada assemblyman John Moore. Fiore and Moore are a part of presidential candidate Ted Cruz’s Nevada team. It’s unclear where Moore and Shelton are stationed right now. |
| 4.24pm GMT | 4.24pm GMT |
| 16:24 | 16:24 |
| Here’s some quick background on Franklin Graham, the reverend arriving to the occupation to reportedly help Fiore with the surrender. Graham is the son of well-known evangelist Billy Graham. | Here’s some quick background on Franklin Graham, the reverend arriving to the occupation to reportedly help Fiore with the surrender. Graham is the son of well-known evangelist Billy Graham. |
| The younger Graham runs the North Carolina-based Billy Graham Evangelistic Association named after his father. The father and son often make headlines for their controversial political statements. “I don’t think we’re going to make it another election cycle if we don’t get God’s voice back in the political arena,” Franklin Graham said at a recent political rally. | The younger Graham runs the North Carolina-based Billy Graham Evangelistic Association named after his father. The father and son often make headlines for their controversial political statements. “I don’t think we’re going to make it another election cycle if we don’t get God’s voice back in the political arena,” Franklin Graham said at a recent political rally. |
| On Facebook early this morning, he said he spoke to the occupiers: “Last night I was on the phone with them for several hours, was able to have prayer with them, and they have said they would come out today.” | On Facebook early this morning, he said he spoke to the occupiers: “Last night I was on the phone with them for several hours, was able to have prayer with them, and they have said they would come out today.” |
| 4.14pm GMT | 4.14pm GMT |
| 16:14 | 16:14 |
| It appears that Reverend Franklin Graham, another individual who has been in touch with the protesters and offered to help with negotiations, is also at the scene, according to assemblywoman Fiore’s comments just now on the live-stream. “[The FBI] is getting the reverend, and me and the reverend are going to drive together,” she said. | It appears that Reverend Franklin Graham, another individual who has been in touch with the protesters and offered to help with negotiations, is also at the scene, according to assemblywoman Fiore’s comments just now on the live-stream. “[The FBI] is getting the reverend, and me and the reverend are going to drive together,” she said. |
| Ten minutes after the scheduled meet-up time, Fiore was trying to broker a phone call between the FBI and the occupiers. Fiore said she was with four other FBI agents. | Ten minutes after the scheduled meet-up time, Fiore was trying to broker a phone call between the FBI and the occupiers. Fiore said she was with four other FBI agents. |
| Sean Anderson said he’s using a phone that the FBI recently dropped off, adding, “They got closer in the night ... They are still surrounding us.” | Sean Anderson said he’s using a phone that the FBI recently dropped off, adding, “They got closer in the night ... They are still surrounding us.” |
| 4.06pm GMT | 4.06pm GMT |
| 16:06 | 16:06 |
| Husband and wife Sean and Sandy Anderson are on the live-stream with assemblywoman Michele Fiore. “I’m sitting with [the FBI] right now,” Fiore said. | Husband and wife Sean and Sandy Anderson are on the live-stream with assemblywoman Michele Fiore. “I’m sitting with [the FBI] right now,” Fiore said. |
| But the occupiers were expressing doubts that the standoff would not resolve peacefully. “We pray the FBI holds their end,” Sandy said. “They’ve betrayed us so much ... We don’t trust a thing they say.” | But the occupiers were expressing doubts that the standoff would not resolve peacefully. “We pray the FBI holds their end,” Sandy said. “They’ve betrayed us so much ... We don’t trust a thing they say.” |
| Fiore said: “Let’s just all stay calm ... I want everybody to keep calm heads.” | Fiore said: “Let’s just all stay calm ... I want everybody to keep calm heads.” |
| 3.57pm GMT | 3.57pm GMT |
| 15:57 | 15:57 |
| Michele Fiore arriving to refuge | Michele Fiore arriving to refuge |
| Michele Fiore, the assemblywoman who is trying to broker negotiations, is now on another live-stream with activist Gavin Seim on YouTube. Seim is talking to occupier Sean Anderson, who confirms plans to meet Fiore and surrender. He said he and his wife, Sandy, will leave together: | Michele Fiore, the assemblywoman who is trying to broker negotiations, is now on another live-stream with activist Gavin Seim on YouTube. Seim is talking to occupier Sean Anderson, who confirms plans to meet Fiore and surrender. He said he and his wife, Sandy, will leave together: |
| “Myself and Sandy are going to go out holding hands and a flag,” Sean said. | “Myself and Sandy are going to go out holding hands and a flag,” Sean said. |
| “We’re coming to the checkpoint,” Fiore said. | “We’re coming to the checkpoint,” Fiore said. |
| 3.49pm GMT | 3.49pm GMT |
| 15:49 | 15:49 |
| Cliven Bundy is scheduled to appear in federal court at 1.30pm in Portland, Oregon Public Broadcasting reports. Bailey Logue, Cliven’s 24-year-old daughter, told the Guardian this morning that the family has not yet spoken to Cliven and has no information about his charges. But she said the Bundys were fired up and would not let the arrest prevent them from continuing to fight the government. Logue said: | Cliven Bundy is scheduled to appear in federal court at 1.30pm in Portland, Oregon Public Broadcasting reports. Bailey Logue, Cliven’s 24-year-old daughter, told the Guardian this morning that the family has not yet spoken to Cliven and has no information about his charges. But she said the Bundys were fired up and would not let the arrest prevent them from continuing to fight the government. Logue said: |
| Anytime anyone speaks out against the federal government, we are taken down, put into jail and detained ... But we’re not backing down, and this is not going to make us any weaker at all. This is only making us stronger. | Anytime anyone speaks out against the federal government, we are taken down, put into jail and detained ... But we’re not backing down, and this is not going to make us any weaker at all. This is only making us stronger. |
| 3.31pm GMT | 3.31pm GMT |
| 15:31 | 15:31 |
| Mike Arnold, Ammon Bundy’s attorney who drove from Portland last night with assemblywoman Michele Fiore to help with negotiations this morning, has confirmed by phone this morning that he’s still moving forward with plans. | Mike Arnold, Ammon Bundy’s attorney who drove from Portland last night with assemblywoman Michele Fiore to help with negotiations this morning, has confirmed by phone this morning that he’s still moving forward with plans. |
| He declined to say where they were or if they were still targeting an 8am meeting: | He declined to say where they were or if they were still targeting an 8am meeting: |
| We’re busy working ... We’re keeping our fingers crossed for a peaceful resolution, and I’m hopeful that that’s gonna happen. | We’re busy working ... We’re keeping our fingers crossed for a peaceful resolution, and I’m hopeful that that’s gonna happen. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.49pm GMT | at 3.49pm GMT |
| 3.01pm GMT | 3.01pm GMT |
| 15:01 | 15:01 |
| It’s been 41 days since a peaceful protest in nearby Burns, Oregon developed into an armed standoff at the Malheur wildlife refuge. Demonstrators were protesting the conviction of two local ranchers on arson charges, which had angered the ranchers who also felt the incident was reflective of their broad concerns about having land under federal government control. | It’s been 41 days since a peaceful protest in nearby Burns, Oregon developed into an armed standoff at the Malheur wildlife refuge. Demonstrators were protesting the conviction of two local ranchers on arson charges, which had angered the ranchers who also felt the incident was reflective of their broad concerns about having land under federal government control. |
| Since then, one protester has died and eight others were arrested in the ongoing standoff. | Since then, one protester has died and eight others were arrested in the ongoing standoff. |
| Looking for more background on the protest? Here’s an explainer from the Guardian’s Mark Tran: | Looking for more background on the protest? Here’s an explainer from the Guardian’s Mark Tran: |
| Related: Oregon militia explainer: background to the standoff | Related: Oregon militia explainer: background to the standoff |
| 2.49pm GMT | 2.49pm GMT |
| 14:49 | 14:49 |
| A key mediator in last night’s negotiations was Michele Fiore, a Nevada assemblywoman. She is set to greet the occupiers when they surrender at 8am PT. | A key mediator in last night’s negotiations was Michele Fiore, a Nevada assemblywoman. She is set to greet the occupiers when they surrender at 8am PT. |
| Calls between her and the militia were broadcast live during the Wednesday night negotiation. | Calls between her and the militia were broadcast live during the Wednesday night negotiation. |
| “We cannot afford more bloodshed,” she told the agitated protesters. “I’m willing to negotiate with the FBI for a peaceful resolution.” | “We cannot afford more bloodshed,” she told the agitated protesters. “I’m willing to negotiate with the FBI for a peaceful resolution.” |
| But who is Michele Fiore? The Guardian’s Julia Carrie Wong has a report on what we know about the pro-gun affiliate of presidential hopeful Ted Cruz: | But who is Michele Fiore? The Guardian’s Julia Carrie Wong has a report on what we know about the pro-gun affiliate of presidential hopeful Ted Cruz: |
| Related: Who is Michele Fiore? What we know about the Oregon standoff negotiator | Related: Who is Michele Fiore? What we know about the Oregon standoff negotiator |
| Senator Ted Cruz our next President will be joining us at 9am on @720KDWN Don't miss this one pic.twitter.com/svaqDi2uEy | Senator Ted Cruz our next President will be joining us at 9am on @720KDWN Don't miss this one pic.twitter.com/svaqDi2uEy |
| 2.37pm GMT | 2.37pm GMT |
| 14:37 | 14:37 |
| The FBI’s Portland division released a statement on Wednesday night in response to the federal agency’s decision to move in on the occupation. | The FBI’s Portland division released a statement on Wednesday night in response to the federal agency’s decision to move in on the occupation. |
| Agents moved in after one of the occupiers rode an ATV outside the perimeter put in place by the militia, the FBI said. An agent tried to speak with the driver, who returned to the refugee encampment at “a high rate of speed,” the agency said. | Agents moved in after one of the occupiers rode an ATV outside the perimeter put in place by the militia, the FBI said. An agent tried to speak with the driver, who returned to the refugee encampment at “a high rate of speed,” the agency said. |
| Agents were then stationed at the barricades. | Agents were then stationed at the barricades. |
| FBI special agent Greg Bretzing said in a statement: | FBI special agent Greg Bretzing said in a statement: |
| 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. | 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. |
| 2.26pm GMT | 2.26pm GMT |
| 14:26 | 14:26 |
| Cliven Bundy, the Nevada rancher who led a standoff with the government in 2014, was arrested in Portland on Wednesday night by the FBI. He was booked in a Portland jail at 10:54pm on Wednesday, according to the Multnomah county sheriff’s office. | Cliven Bundy, the Nevada rancher who led a standoff with the government in 2014, was arrested in Portland on Wednesday night by the FBI. He was booked in a Portland jail at 10:54pm on Wednesday, according to the Multnomah county sheriff’s office. |
| His two sons, Ammon and Ryan, were arrested late last month in connection with the Oregon standoff following a firefight with law enforcement. The occupation’s spokesman, LaVoy Finicum, was killed in the shooting. | His two sons, Ammon and Ryan, were arrested late last month in connection with the Oregon standoff following a firefight with law enforcement. The occupation’s spokesman, LaVoy Finicum, was killed in the shooting. |
| Bundy, 74, is being held on charges related to his Nevada standoff, according to the Bundy Ranch Facebook page. | Bundy, 74, is being held on charges related to his Nevada standoff, according to the Bundy Ranch Facebook page. |
| Bundy’s Nevada showdown with the US Bureau of Land Management in 2014 ended after he was joined by armed supporters. He owes the federal agency $1m in fees and penalties for grazing on federal land. | Bundy’s Nevada showdown with the US Bureau of Land Management in 2014 ended after he was joined by armed supporters. He owes the federal agency $1m in fees and penalties for grazing on federal land. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 4.02pm GMT | at 4.02pm GMT |
| 2.13pm GMT | 2.13pm GMT |
| 14:13 | 14:13 |
| The Guardian’s Sam Levin watched the negotiations on YouTube last night and has been covering the standoff from the West coast. His report on the militia’s frantic calls and discussions: | The Guardian’s Sam Levin watched the negotiations on YouTube last night and has been covering the standoff from the West coast. His report on the militia’s frantic calls and discussions: |
| Within minutes, listeners across the country were tuning into the chaotic live-stream, listening to the dramatic events unfold. | Within minutes, listeners across the country were tuning into the chaotic live-stream, listening to the dramatic events unfold. |
| Seim’s phone call with the occupiers, broadcast live, provided a dramatic and at times surreal window into the deliberations ongoing at the site, as the militia debated the merits of surrender. At times, they appeared bordering on panic and hysteria, convinced federal agents were about to ambush them. | Seim’s phone call with the occupiers, broadcast live, provided a dramatic and at times surreal window into the deliberations ongoing at the site, as the militia debated the merits of surrender. At times, they appeared bordering on panic and hysteria, convinced federal agents were about to ambush them. |
| “The black hawks are here and they’re going to kill us,” said one man at the refuge, after they heard helicopters circling above. “If they fire first, my weapon is in reach and I’m going to take them with me.” | “The black hawks are here and they’re going to kill us,” said one man at the refuge, after they heard helicopters circling above. “If they fire first, my weapon is in reach and I’m going to take them with me.” |
| The Andersons, a husband and wife from Riggins, Idaho, discussed whether they should leave the occupation. | The Andersons, a husband and wife from Riggins, Idaho, discussed whether they should leave the occupation. |
| “They’re just looking for a reason to kill us,” Sean Anderson declared early on. “Please don’t let us die in vain tonight,” added his wife, Sandy, one of the other four militia members still on the site. | “They’re just looking for a reason to kill us,” Sean Anderson declared early on. “Please don’t let us die in vain tonight,” added his wife, Sandy, one of the other four militia members still on the site. |
| Related: Oregon militia standoff: promise of surrender follows dramatic night of negotiations | Related: Oregon militia standoff: promise of surrender follows dramatic night of negotiations |
| 2.03pm GMT | 2.03pm GMT |
| 14:03 | 14:03 |
| A 41-day-long standoff in Oregon is expected to end on Thursday after a night of frantic negotiations between the remaining armed militia at Malheur national wildlife refuge and the FBI. | A 41-day-long standoff in Oregon is expected to end on Thursday after a night of frantic negotiations between the remaining armed militia at Malheur national wildlife refuge and the FBI. |
| Negotiations between the militia members and law enforcement were broadcast live last night on YouTube from the refuge near Burns, Oregon as the FBI closed in on the compound. The militia have occupied the refuge since 2 January, in a dispute over the use of federal land. | Negotiations between the militia members and law enforcement were broadcast live last night on YouTube from the refuge near Burns, Oregon as the FBI closed in on the compound. The militia have occupied the refuge since 2 January, in a dispute over the use of federal land. |
| Late on Wednesday, the Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy was arrested en route to Burns. His standoff with the federal government in 2014 inspired the Oregon occupation, which his two sons, Ammon and Ryan, have supported. They were arrested in connection to the occupation last month. | Late on Wednesday, the Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy was arrested en route to Burns. His standoff with the federal government in 2014 inspired the Oregon occupation, which his two sons, Ammon and Ryan, have supported. They were arrested in connection to the occupation last month. |
| After hours of negotiations that had, at one point, an audience of more than 60,000 people, the four remaining militia members at the refuge agreed to stand down. They said they would wait to leave until 8am PT Thursday morning, as part of an agreement that they would be met by television cameras, the reverend Franklin Graham and Nevada politician Michele Fiore, a mediator in Wednesday night’s negotiations. | After hours of negotiations that had, at one point, an audience of more than 60,000 people, the four remaining militia members at the refuge agreed to stand down. They said they would wait to leave until 8am PT Thursday morning, as part of an agreement that they would be met by television cameras, the reverend Franklin Graham and Nevada politician Michele Fiore, a mediator in Wednesday night’s negotiations. |
| We’ll provide live updates on the situation as it develops, throughout the day. | We’ll provide live updates on the situation as it develops, throughout the day. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 2.15pm GMT | at 2.15pm GMT |