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Last remaining occupiers of federal property in Oregon arrested today

jailBURNS, OREGON – At approximately 11:40 AM, on Thursday, February 11, 2016, the FBI brought three of the remaining Malheur National Wildlife Refuge occupiers into custody without incident. At approximately 11:00 a.m., agents brought the fourth into custody without incident.

  • Sean Larry Anderson, age 47, of Riggins, Idaho
  • Sandra Lynn Anderson, age 48, of Riggins, Idaho
  • Jeff Wayne Banta, age 46, of Yerington, Nevada
  • David Lee Fry, age 27, of Blanchester, Ohio

No one was injured, and no shots were fired. Thursday marks day 41 of the occupation of the refuge.

Agents arrested the remaining four occupiers as they walked out of the refuge to the FBI checkpoint. Those arrested will face arraignment before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Portland on Friday, February 12, 2016.

At times, there were dozens of highly armed militants occupying, visiting and supplying the refuge. On Wednesday, February 3, 2016, a federal grand jury indicted 16 people:

  • Dylan Wade Anderson, age 34, of Provo, Utah
  • Sandra Lynn Anderson, age 48, of Riggins, Idaho
  • Sean Larry Anderson, age 47, of Riggins, Idaho
  • Jeff Wayne Banta, age 46, of Yerington, Nevada
  • Ammon Edward Bundy, age 40, of Emmett, Idaho
  • Ryan C. Bundy, age 43, of Bunkerville, Nevada
  • Brian Cavalier, age 44, of Bunkerville, Nevada
  • Shawna Cox, age 59, Kanab, Utah
  • Duane Leo Ehmer, age 45, of Irrigon, Oregon
  • David Lee Fry, age 27, of Blanchester, Ohio
  • Kenneth Medenbach, age 62, of Crescent, Oregon
  • Joseph Donald O’Shaughnessy, age 45, of Cottonwood, Arizona
  • Jason S. Patrick, age 43, of Bonaire, Georgia
  • Ryan Waylen Payne, age 32, of Anaconda, Montana
  • Jon Eric Ritzheimer, age 32, Peoria, Arizona
  • Peter Santilli, age 50, of Cincinnati, Ohio

Each subject faces one federal felony count of conspiracy to impede officers of the United States from discharging their official duties through the use of force, intimidation, or threats, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 372.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“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,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney, District of Oregon.

“Much work is left to assess the crime scene and damage to the refuge and tribal artifacts. We are committed to seeing the job done and to pursue justice for the crimes committed during the illegal occupation.”

At approximately 4:30 p.m. (Pacific) on Wednesday, February 10, 2016, one of the occupiers rode an ATV outside the barricades established by the militia at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. FBI agents attempted to approach the driver, and he returned to the encampment at the refuge at a high rate of speed.

At this time, the FBI has moved to contain the remaining occupiers by placing agents at barricades both immediately ahead of and behind the area where the occupiers are camping. Negotiations between the occupiers and the FBI continue. No shots have been fired.

“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,” said Greg Bretzing, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon.

Wednesday marked day 40 of the occupation of the refuge.

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