Oregon Militia Standoff Takes A Deadly Turn

<p>Federal and state law officers arrested the leaders of an armed group occupying a national wildlife refuge during a traffic stop along a highway in Oregon's frozen high country that prompted gunfire and left one man dead.</p>

Wednesday, January 27th 2016, 9:41 am

By: News On 6


Federal and state law officers arrested the leaders of an armed group occupying a national wildlife refuge during a traffic stop along a highway in Oregon's frozen high country that prompted gunfire and left one man dead.

Militant leader Ammon Bundy and his followers were reportedly heading to a community meeting at the senior center Tuesday in John Day, about 70 miles north of Burns, to address local residents to discuss their views on federal management of public lands.

In a statement, the FBI and Oregon State Police said agents had made a total of eight arrests - including Ammon Bundy.

Oregon State Police confirmed that its troopers were involved in the traffic-stop shooting.

CBS News correspondent Carter Evans reports that Bundy's brother, Ryan Bundy, 43, was shot but has non-life-threatening injuries. Ryan Bundy was among those arrested.

Robert "LaVoy" Finicum, a spokesman for the protesters, was killed in the shootout, according to the Bundys' father, Cliven Bundy, who spoke with CBS Portland affiliate KOIN-TV.

"Ryan Bundy had been shot in the arm. LaVoy Finicum had been murdered, cold bloodedly murdered," Cliven Bundy told KOIN-TV.

The agencies said the man who was killed "was a subject of a federal probable cause arrest" and would not release further information pending identification by the medical examiner.

Finicum, 55, was a frequent and public presence at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, often speaking for the group at news conferences.

His daughter, Arianna Finicum Brown, confirmed her father's death to The Oregonian, saying "he would never ever want to hurt somebody, but he does believe in defending freedom and he knew the risks involved."

It was unclear how many people remained in the buildings at the refuge. Late Tuesday night there was no obvious police presence there and Oregon Gov. Kate Brown asked for "patience as officials continue pursuit of a swift and peaceful resolution."

Early Wednesday, the FBI and Oregon State Police established a series of checkpoints along key routes into and out of the refuge. The agencies said in a statement that the containment was to 'better ensure the safety of community members." According to the statement, only Harney County ranchers who own property in specific areas will be required to show identification and be allowed to pass.

Brand Thornton, one of Bundy's supporters, said he left the refuge Monday and wasn't sure what those remaining would do.

In addition to Ammon and Ryan Bundy, those arrested were: Brian Cavalier, 44; Shawna Cox, 59; and Ryan Payne, 32 - apprehended during the traffic stop on U.S. Highway 395 Tuesday afternoon. Authorities said two others - Joseph Donald O'Shaughnessy, 45, and Peter Santilli, 50 - were arrested separately in Burns, while FBI agents in Arizona arrested another, Jon Eric Ritzheimer, 32.

Each will face a federal felony charge of conspiracy to impede officers of the United States from discharging their official duties through the use of force, intimidation or threats, authorities said. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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