Oregon militia takeover: How did we get here?
An anti-government protest escalated into an armed takeover of a building in a federal wildlife refuge in Oregon. Here's what you need to know:
Who are the Hammonds?
Dwight Hammond Jr., 73, and his son, Steven Hammond, 46, were convicted of arson three years ago for fires they started on federal property. Both men served time — the father three months, the son one year. The pair said they lit the fires in 2001 and 2006 to reduce the growth of invasive plants and protect their property from wildfires. A judge ordered them to return to prison Monday to serve an additional four years because the time already served did not meet minimum-sentencing laws. The pair reported to prison peacefully, but said they will seek clemency from President Obama.
Oregon occupation pits militias against government
Who are the Bundys?
Ammon Bundy, 40, and his brother Ryan are leading the armed group protesting the prosecution of the Hammonds, and now occupying a building at a federal wildlife refuge. They are the sons of Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy, who was involved in a previous standoff with the government over grazing rights.
What does the militia group want?
The Bundys accuse the federal government of overreaching, land grabbing and pushing ranchers off their land in Oregon and elsewhere. Supporters said Monday they won't leave until federal land in the area is returned to state and local governments — and ranchers such as the Hammonds. The Bundys are calling on anti-government militia members from all over the country to join the seizure of the refuge building. "We're planning on staying here for years, absolutely," Bundy told The Oregonian. Bundy said his group planned to "gather here and we can unite, we can stay out of the cold. We can feed all of the individuals that come. Our intent is to assist the people of Harney County in claiming their rights."
Is the group violent?
One protester said Sunday that the group had not damaged property and intended to keep the protest peaceful. Maureen Peltier, a Washington Army National Guard staff sergeant and member of the so-called patriot movement, toldThe Oregonian that some in the group were armed and others were not. "There is absolutely no armed standoff," she wrote. "Roads were clear going to & coming from. They want us to know: They are simply occupying land and a building owned by 'We The People.' Our tax dollars. And that for them, this is a civil peaceful protest."
What local authorities say:
Sheriff David Ward said protesters came to Harney County, "claiming to be part of militia groups supporting local ranchers." In reality, he said, "these men had alternative motives to attempt to overthrow the county and federal government in hopes to spark a movement across the United States."
When did this start?
The occupation came after an estimated 300 marchers — militia and local citizens — paraded through Burns, Ore., on Saturday to protest the prosecution of the Hammonds.
Are the Hammonds connected to the militia group?
Through their lawyer, the Hammonds have distanced themselves from the Bundys, according to CBS News. "Neither Ammon Bundy nor anyone within his group/organization speak for the Hammond Family," lawyer W. Alan Schroeder wrote to Sheriff Ward, according to the network.
Where is this taking place?
The standoff is at the headquarters building of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, about 300 miles southeast of Portland, in Harney County. The nearest town is Burns, where the protest first began over the weekend.
Why that building?
Bundy said of the park headquarters: "It is the people's facility, owned by the people, and it has been provided for us to be able to come together and unite in making a hard stand against this overreach, this taking of the people's land and resources."