At least 150 militia members, led by three sons of Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy, have taken control of a federal building in eastern Oregon Saturday night.
In what is being called a “tense standoff,” the group commandeered the federal outpost and have refused to leave.
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As the protest wore on, a splinter group broke off from the larger protest and seemed intent on “provoking a standoff with the federal government” by occupying the location. In a phone interview with Oregonlive.com, Ammond Bundy, one of the three brothers, said they “would not rule out violence if law enforcement tries to remove them” and called the wildlife refuge building “the tool to do all the tyranny that has been placed upon the Hammonds.” Bundy added that he was “planning on staying…for years.” h/t deadstate
In a message on Facebook Bundy said he planned on establishing the facility as a base for militia members across the nation According to reports, Ammond is rallying other right-wing militia members to join him in occupying the building. Even one member wrote an ominous message to his family on his Facebook page saying, “I want to die a free man,” Ritzheimer says.