UPDATED: Militia Leader Tells GoLocal They Will Stay “as Long as We Have To”

Tuesday, January 05, 2016

Brendan Murray, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Ammon Bundy; image via Ammon Bundy's Facebook page

In an interview with GoLocalPDX, the leader of an armed militia that captured a federal wildlife building said the group did not plan to end their occupation any time soon.

“We plan on staying for as long as we have to,” Ammon Bundy told GoLocal. “We have not had any direct contact with law enforcement at this time. We have heard rumors federal agents are on the way but like I said that's all rumors at this point. We in a very isolated area and posing no danger to anyone.”

Bundy said the group is hoping for a peaceful end to the takeover.

“A satisfactory end to the protest would be no one getting hurt and the federal government freeing the Hammonds and giving up control of the Malheur National Forrest,” Bundy said. “We have a good amount of supplies with more on the way. We really hope this all ends peacefully but that's up to the federal government on how they treat us when they get here.”

The occupation began on Saturday afternoon, after the group, led by Bundy, took over the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge headquarters. Buddy first received attention in 2014, when his father inspired a standoff between local armed anti-government groups and federal officials over cattle grazing.

The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge headquarters occupied by the militia; via wikimedia commons

Hammonds Surrender, Militia Does Not

As GoLocal reported, the Oregon ranchers whose arrest inspired the armed militia to capture a federal wildlife office in a southeastern Oregon reserve turned themselves in to authorities on Monday afternoon.

“The Hammonds have turned themselves in today at 1:37 PM, in accordance with the law and are currently in custody at Federal Correctional Institution in California,” Sheriff David M. Ward said in a statement.

According to Ward, the takeover started “when people from outside the state arrived in attempt to prevent the Hammonds from returning to prison,” and began as a peaceful protest.

Despite the Hammonds’ decision to turn themselves in, Bundy told GoLocal that spirits are high

"I don't blame them for turning themselves in. They have to do what's best for them and we support that," Bundy said. "It does not change our plans at this time. Morale is great. We have a great team here with us. We are busy getting supplies settled and we plan on staying as long as we have to.”

“We Are Not Terrorists”

Bundy insisted to GoLocal that his group was not a terrorist organization, despite being armed.

“One thought I would like to share is that we are not terrorist as some are calling us on social media,” Bundy said. “We are very peaceful people who want to bring attention to the corruptness of our government concerning land rights. ‘

Bundy said that he hoped that through the group’s actions at the Malheur offices and their outreach on Twitter and other social media outlets will bring more attention to the Hammonds’ case.

“I feel that with this account I have gotten people to talk about that who normally wouldn't know about it or talk about it,” Bundy said.

Marco Rubio

Backlash Emerges

A pair of leading Republican Presidential candidates in Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Sen. Marco Rubio (D-Florida) told armed militiamen holding a federal building in Oregon to stand down on Monday, according to reports.

The group has held the federal wildlife building on the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge since Saturday. As GoLocal reported, the group has promised to hold the building “for as long as need be.”

Cruz spoke with reporters before a campaign event in Iowa, according to the Huffington Post.

"Every one of us has a constitutional right to protest, to speak our minds, but we don’t have a constitutional right to use force of violence or threaten force of violence on others," Cruz said. "There is no right to engage in violence against other Americans, and it is our hope and prayer that that situation resolves itself peaceably sooner rather than later.”

Rubio similarly called for the end of the militia’s capture of the building during an interview with Iowa radio station KBUR.

“You can’t be lawless. We live in a republic," Rubio said. "There are ways to change the laws of this country and the policies. If we get frustrated with it, that’s why we have elections. That’s why we have people we can hold accountable.”

Late in the day on Monday, Sheriff Ward announced they would be receiving assistance from the Oregon State Sheriff's Association "in daily and enhanced patrol duties." Police said that area residents should expect to see patrol vehicles from other counties in the community.

"The safety of the residents of Harney County is my top concern," Ward said. "Residents should be aware of partner sheriff's offices assisting with our public safety mission."

SEE A MESSAGE FROM SHERIFF WARD BELOW:

UPDATED: A Closer Look at the Takeover

GoLocal teamed up with Graphiq to take a closer look at the occupation in Oregon.

Data curated by FindTheData

Related Slideshow: 10 Facts About Oregon Gun Laws

Prev Next

Background Checks

Governor Kate Brown signed a bill into law in May that requires requiring background checks on private gun sales, according to Guns and Ammo Magazine.

"We have an obligation to protect Oregonians from gun violence," Brown said. "If we want to keep our kids, schools and communities safe, we must make it harder for dangerous people to get guns."

Prev Next

Concealed Carry

According to the National Rifle Association's website, concealed carry of firearms is allowed in Oregon if the carrier has been issued a permit.

To get a concealed carry permit apply at your local sheriff's office, pass a background check, prove you're at least 21, demonstrate that you're competent with the weapon and you're good to walk around strapped.

Prev Next

Mental Health Issues

In Oregon, people who've lost their gun rights because of mental health issues can petition to get them back, according to the Oregon Psychiatric Review Board.

The PSRB conducts relief hearings to determine if someone should again be permitted to own guns.

Prev Next

Loaded Guns in Public

According to a description of Oregon gun laws on the NRA website, it is unlawful to possess a loaded firearm in a public building, which includes hospitals, capitol buildings, schools, colleges, courthouses or city hall. Exceptions are made if you have a concealed carry permit.

Prev Next

Out of State Purchases

According to the NRA, Oregon residents are not limited to purchasing firearms in their own state. They may also purchase firearms in California, Idaho, Nevada or Washington

Prev Next

Machine Guns

Oregon residents are permitted to own machine guns, as long as they are registered with the federal government, according to the NRA.

Prev Next

No Permit Required

According to Laws.com, no permit is needed to own a handgun or a rifle in the state of Oregon

Prev Next

Felons

According to the NRA website, most felons are not allowed to own or carry a firearm in Oregon.

There are exceptions, however. If the crime was later expunged from a person's record or downgraded to a misdemeanor, that person is able to own a gun.