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| Oregon militia standoff: occupation ends after dramatic surrender – live | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 7.36pm GMT | |
| 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. | |
| 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: | |
| 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 | |
| 19:31 | |
| 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. | |
| 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. | |
| 7.26pm GMT | |
| 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”. | |
| 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. | |
| 7.14pm GMT | |
| 19:14 | |
| Militia occupation over | |
| Updated | |
| 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.” |
| 5.34pm GMT | 5.34pm GMT |
| 17:34 | 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. | 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. | 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.” | 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 | 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 | Updated |
| at 5.35pm GMT | at 5.35pm GMT |
| 5.23pm GMT | 5.23pm GMT |
| 17:23 | 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. | 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 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?” | 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. | 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.” |