Kristen Van Dyke Biking in Southern Utah

She used to be at Portland's CBS News-affiliate KOIN 6 News. I used to watch her on YouTube a lot, when I was covering the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Eastern Oregon.

A really cool lady. She's now the chief meteorologist at KSTU FOX 13, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

What a wonderful day in southern Utah 😍
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! 🦃🍁 #southernutah #mtblife #utahisrad https://t.co/mf33P5JBkI pic.twitter.com/aGjBkV2nWZ

— Kristen Van Dyke (@kvandykewx) November 23, 2018

I've Finished Orlando Figes, A People's Tragedy

Oh boy, that was a long book, heh.

I wanted to finish before February 8th, when my spring semester started, but I was blogging the Malheur crisis (and the presidential primaries) so much my progress stalled.

Well, I blazed through the last 100 pages or so this week, which is great, because I can now move on to some of the other things I've been meaning to read.

Figes' tome is highly recommended (very highly). You just need to have a lot of time to read.

Here, A People's Tragedy: The Russian Revolution: 1891-1924.

Michele Fiore Speaks to Crowd Outside Federal Courthouse in Portland on February 12, 2016 (VIDEO)

Following-up from the other day, "Michele Fiore, Unlikely Mediator in #Malheur Militia Standoff in Oregon."

Via the Portland Oregonian:



Also, "Michele Fiore takes questions after courthouse speech."

Still more, "'In my opinion Mr. Finicum was murdered,' says Nevada Assemblyman John Moore."

Last Four Holdouts Plead Not Guilty in Occupation of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (VIDEO)

Jennifer Dowling reports, for KOIN News 6 Portland, "Last 4 occupiers plead not guilty to federal felony."

Michele Fiore, Unlikely Mediator in #Malheur Militia Standoff in Oregon

She's a big, beautiful American babe.

At the Los Angeles Times, "Who is the gun-toting, brash-talking Nevada lawmaker who helped end the Oregon standoff?"

An Inside Look at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (VIDEO)

Following-up from earlier, "Last Four Holdouts Surrender at #Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (VIDEO)."

At KOIN News 6 Portland:

Last Four Holdouts Surrender at #Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (VIDEO)

I'm back to work for the spring semester, and I was in class yesterday during the final stand at the Malheur refuge. Honestly, from checking Twitter during my breaks, I thought David Fry was going to do something rash. At one point he was said to have put a gun to his head.

Fry says he is pointing a gun at his head. #Oregonstandoff

— Molly Young (@mollykyoung) February 11, 2016

"I told everybody that I will have a pistol and I will kill myself." #Oregonstandoff

Others are trying to talk him down.

— Molly Young (@mollykyoung) February 11, 2016

At the Portland Oregonian, "Oregon standoff ends with a 'hallelujah'," and "Oregon standoff: Last four occupiers surrender at Malheur refuge."

And watch, at ABC News, "Dramatic End to Armed Standoff in Oregon."

Oregon Standoff: FBI Surrounds Occupiers at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

At the Portland Oregonian, "Oregon standoff: FBI moves in on last refuge occupiers."

Plus, lots of activity on Twitter.

FBI Surrounds Occupiers at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge: — Portland https://t.co/P7Q2LSeyca

— FBI Portland (@FBIPortland) February 11, 2016

Holdout occupiers at Ore. wildlife refuge argue with negotiator, yell at law enforcement: https://t.co/eqQpfDyWj4 pic.twitter.com/EacXDSxuQL

— The Associated Press (@AP) February 11, 2016

Sean Anderson said they will surrender in the morning when legislator, reverend are at checkpoint. Unclear if he is speaking for Fry, Banta.

— Les Zaitz (@LesZaitz) February 11, 2016

Expect updates...

LATEST: It's Day 40 of the Malheur Occupation

It goes on.

At the Portland Oregonian, "Oregon standoff Day 40: What you need to know."

And watch, from Sunday, "Occupier takes joy ride in pickup truck with federal plates." It's the crazy loon David Fry.

More Than a Thousand People Flock to Kanab, Utah, for Funeral of Robert 'LaVoy' Finicum (VIDEO)

At USA Today, "Man killed in Ore. standoff remembered as father, patriot":

ST. GEORGE, Utah — An Arizona rancher who was shot to death in a showdown with law enforcement authorities in Oregon last week was remembered Friday as a man who loved his family, his God and his country during funeral services in Utah.

More than a thousand mourners dressed in Sunday best, some in cowboy hats and boots, gathered at a Mormon church near the Kanab airport for services paying tribute to Robert "LaVoy" Finicum of Cane Beds, Ariz., who died Jan. 26 following the monthlong siege at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

“I know my dad’s working just as tirelessly on the other side to protect his family and our freedoms,” one daughter said. Finicum’s 11 children spoke in quick succession during the services.

“He often commented to me about all the good people who were coming to see him and how it encouraged him,” Finicum’s wife, Jeanette, said.

One of those people was Cedar City resident Beth Stephenson, who wrote a condolence card for Finicum’s family while waiting for the funeral to begin.

Stephenson said she introduced herself to Finicum during his brief stop in Cedar City last month for a radio talk show interview before returning to Oregon.

Stephenson, who was working next door to the radio station, said she was impressed with Finicum’s sincerity so she decided to go to the station during a break in the interview.

“I had a strong feeling that he was doing the right thing. ... It was a really strong impression that this was a really great man,” Stephenson said...

More.

PREVIOUSLY: "Supporters from Across the U.S. Gathered for LaVoy Finicum Funeral Services in Kanab, Utah (VIDEO)."

Supporters from Across the U.S. Gathered for LaVoy Finicum Funeral Services in Kanab, Utah (VIDEO)

There's video at the report.

Watch, at Fox News 13 Salt Lake City, "Supporters from across the country gather in Utah for funeral of LaVoy Finicum":

Hundreds of people gathering at Kanab church for the funeral of LaVoy Finicum. pic.twitter.com/MjY8U9fLU4

— Robert Boyd (@Robertboydfox13) February 5, 2016

Shawna Cox, one of the protesters who was with Finicum and arrested the day he died, just arrived at the funeral. pic.twitter.com/f6DuIIeMfb

— Robert Boyd (@Robertboydfox13) February 5, 2016

Supporters of LaVoy Finicum continue to arrive at a Kanab church, reaction at 4pm. pic.twitter.com/mq0jNX8pML

— Robert Boyd (@Robertboydfox13) February 5, 2016

Two of Finicum's 11 children speak. They say "the federal government broke the law not their father." pic.twitter.com/4MJrdZHXi6

— Robert Boyd (@Robertboydfox13) February 5, 2016

Finicum children are calling for a private investigation regarding their father's death. pic.twitter.com/mnwEYaEElI

— Robert Boyd (@Robertboydfox13) February 5, 2016

KANAB, Utah -- More than a thousand people from across the country gathered in Kanab Friday for the funeral of Arizona rancher LaVoy Finicum, who was shot and killed by authorities in Oregon during the standoff and protest at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

LaVoy's two eldest daughters spoke at a press conference after the services, saying they believe their father didn't break the law, but the federal government did. The family is calling for a private, independent investigation into LaVoy's death.

LaVoy Finicum's family said a lot of people in the past week have only focused on the way he died, but they said it's more important to focus on the way he lived

Horses with empty saddles galloped past LaVoy Finicum's family and supporters, as they carried the casket to his final resting place. It was one last ride for the lifelong rancher.

"We've often said LaVoy was born a century too late, you know, so the honor of being led off in a wagon and escorted by horseback is an honor for any cowboy,” said David Cluff, one of Fincium’s cousins.

Many of the people attending the funeral said they never even met LaVoy, but they wanted to be here because they share the same values.

"This is a great American patriot,” said Loie Corson, who attended the services. “I didn't know him, and I might not have done it the way he did, but I really feel in my heart that he tried to do it through the system. He tried to take the legal channels, and when you go up against the system: it's tough.”

PREVIOUSLY: "About Two Dozen People Visited LaVoy Finicum Memorial on U.S. 395 Today."

LaVoy Finicum Speaks to the Press on 17th Day of Armed Standoff at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (VIDEO)

Following-up from earlier, "LaVoy Finicum's Death in Oregon Occupation Prompts Memorials Across the Country."

Here's a video flashback, via the Portland Oregonian:

LaVoy Finicum's Death in Oregon Occupation Prompts Memorials Across the Country

At the Portland Oregonian:

Robert "LaVoy" Finicum was shot to death by the side of a remote Oregon road. Few were there to see him die, but hundreds of people around the country have indicated they will attend rallies and vigils in his memory this weekend.

Finicum was a prominent figure in the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. He was fatally shot by Oregon State Police on the 25th day of the occupation during a traffic stop that ended with the arrest of key leaders of the occupation.

The funeral is Friday, Feb. 5, in Kanab, Utah, Finicum's family said. More than 30 memorials, candlelight vigils and rallies in at least 17 states are planned for Feb. 5, Feb. 6 and Feb. 7.

Though the FBI said Finicum was reaching for a gun before he was shot, some rally organizers said he should not have died.

"If he was breaking laws, they should have arrested him. He didn't have that chance," said Krista Etter, who has scheduled a rally in front of the federal courthouse in West Palm Beach, Florida. "He didn't get to be heard to prove he was guilty of anything."

One Facebook event scheduled for Sunday is called "Rally Protest Of The MURDER of LaVoy Finicum."

Keep reading.

Malheur Holdouts David Fry, Sean Anderson, Sandy Anderson, and Jeff Banta Included in Federal Indictment

Flashback to last Saturday, "'It feels like a zombie apocalypse' — Last Malheur Holdouts Hope Against Hope (VIDEO)."

Well, I guess the feds aren't going to agree to the demands of the last holdouts.

Here's the story, at the Portland Oregonian, "Federal grand jury indicts 16 in refuge takeover":

BREAKING: 4 remaining occupiers indicted for federal conspiracy: David Fry, Sean Anderson, Sandy Anderson and Jeff Banta.

— Les Zaitz (@LesZaitz) February 4, 2016

Indictments accuse 16 of threatening violence against anyone who tried to remove them from refuge #oregonstandoff https://t.co/5n1DULrg42

— Maxine Bernstein (@maxoregonian) February 4, 2016

Read federal indictment against Bundys and alleged co-conspirators here: #oregonstandoffhttps://t.co/5n1DULrg42

— Maxine Bernstein (@maxoregonian) February 4, 2016

Ammon Bundy and 15 others accused in the armed takeover of a federal wildlife refuge -- including four people who remain at the bird sanctuary -- have been indicted on charges of conspiracy to impede federal officers through intimidation, threats or force.

A federal grand jury returned the indictments Wednesday and they were unsealed Thursday morning.

It accuses Ammon Bundy, the leader of the monthlong armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge outside Burns, and the other key players of conspiring to prevent employees of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service from working at the refuge, taking over the property armed with firearms and intimidating the people of Harney County.

The alleged offenses began Oct. 5, when two of the defendants met with the Harney County sheriff to warn of "extreme civil unrest'' if their demands were unmet, according to the indictments.

The accused co-conspirators are charged with occupying the federal property "while using and carrying firearms,'' threatening violence against anybody who attempted to remove them from the refuge and using social media and other means of communication to recruit and encourage others to join them.

The indictments also alleged the group carried firearms on the federal property and refused repeated federal orders to leave. It contends the conspiracy lasted through the date of the indictments.

Keep reading.

LATEST: LaVoy Finicum Investigation Expected to Take 4-to-6 Weeks (VIDEO)

Following-up, "LATEST: #Malheur Holdout David Fry Says Occupation at Wildlife Refuge is 'Civil Disobedience'." And here, "Ammon Bundy's Attorneys Withdraw Release Request for Release from Custody (VIDEO)."

Also, "'If You're Gonna Shoot, Just Shoot Me'! Victoria Sharp Says LaVoy Finicum Unjustly 'Gunned Down' by LEOs (VIDEO)."

Now, at the Portland Oregonian, "Investigation into death of Oregon standoff spokesman LaVoy Finicum expected to take 4 to 6 weeks":

Investigators said Tuesday they will release no information on the shooting death of Oregon standoff spokesman Robert "LaVoy" Finicum until their work is complete – probably not for another four to six weeks.

The FBI have confirmed that Oregon State Police troopers shot Finicum a week ago at a roadblock along U.S. 395 about 20 miles north of Burns while he and other key figures in the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge were traveling to another county for a community meeting.

Finicum reached at least twice toward a jacket pocket that later was found to contain a 9mm handgun, the FBI said in a statement last week. The agency released aerial video of the shooting, but the grainy long-distance images and lack of audio have fueled debate about what it shows.

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation into the shooting with help from Bend and Redmond police and state police stationed in Deschutes County.

Expect updates...

'If You're Gonna Shoot, Just Shoot Me'! Victoria Sharp Says LaVoy Finicum Unjustly 'Gunned Down' by LEOs (VIDEO)

The latest developments are here, "LATEST: #Malheur Holdout David Fry Says Occupation at Wildlife Refuge is 'Civil Disobedience'." And here, "Ammon Bundy's Attorneys Withdraw Release Request for Release from Custody (VIDEO)."

Ms. Sharp's covered previously here, "#Malheur Occupier Victoria Sharp Says LaVoy Finicum Had 'Hands Up' Before Police Opened Fire (AUDIO)."

And she's out now with additional statements in a new CNN interview, "Woman says she was feet away when shots killed Oregon occupier Finicum."

And stay with the interview all the way to the end. Sharp says that "If I lose my life for the future of America, it's worth it."

(CNN) Victoria Sharp says she is certain LaVoy Finicum was unjustly gunned down by state police after they and the FBI pursued his vehicle in southern Oregon.

"I was just a few feet away in the truck," she insisted to CNN. "I know what I saw."

Sharp, 18, claims she was one of three people in the back seat of a white truck driven by Finicum, one of the armed occupiers at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Sharp says she and seven siblings went to the occupation site recently to sing Christian songs and provide "moral support for the protest of the federal government."

They left the refuge near Burns last Tuesday for a community meeting in another town. The FBI said it had information that Finicum and the others in two vehicles were armed.

Finicum pulled away from an attempt to arrest him and Ammon Bundy, the leader of the nearly four-week occupation. A dramatic chase down tree-lined U.S. 395 ensued. As shown on an FBI video taken from a pursuing helicopter, it ends when Finicum swerves to miss a roadblock, nearly hitting an officer and plowing into deep snow.

The driver quickly exits the video with hands in the air....

Sharp said Thursday that as soon as the vehicle hit the snow bank, she heard shots hit the truck. It's not clear on the video whether any rounds were hitting the vehicle.

"He had his hands up," Sharp said. "He was shouting that if they were going to shoot, then just shoot him. I remember him saying that if they shoot him, it's an innocent man's blood on their hands."

As seen on the FBI video, Finicum reaches twice toward a jacket pocket. Officers fire. Finicum falls to the ground. The FBI said it recovered a loaded 9mm semiautomatic handgun in that left side pocket of his jacket.

Sharp said she heard three shots and saw Finicum fall. "He wasn't doing anything aggressive, anything," she insisted. "He was just walking with his hands up."

When asked whether Finicum reached for a weapon, Sharp said, "He was not showing any signs of aggression."

Check back here for all the breaking coverage...

LATEST: #Malheur Holdout David Fry Says Occupation at Wildlife Refuge is 'Civil Disobedience'

Following-up from earlier, "Ammon Bundy's Attorneys Withdraw Release Request for Release from Custody (VIDEO)." Here's an update from developments out on the range.

From Molly Young, at the Portland Oregonian, "Oregon standoff holdout David Fry says: 'This is the time to break the law'":

Some highlights: David Fry's parents call in, his father tells him he's proud of him. (1/3) #OregonStandoff

— Molly Young (@mollykyoung) February 2, 2016

One caller asks if they're keeping warm. Fry says yes, they're eating vegetables, hamburgers and staying by the fire. (2/3) #OregonStandoff

— Molly Young (@mollykyoung) February 2, 2016

Fry concedes the refuge occupation is technically breaking the law. He calls it "civil disobedience." (3/3) #OregonStandoff

— Molly Young (@mollykyoung) February 2, 2016

It's an 8 deg morning in Harney County. If the final 4 are really camping, brrr. #Oregonstandoff pic.twitter.com/XjcSn4mpHo

— Amanda Peacher (@amandapeacher) February 2, 2016

Today is like yesterday, which was much like the day before. 4 occupiers remain. It's cold outside. #HappyGroundhogDay

— Amanda Peacher (@amandapeacher) February 2, 2016

BURNS -- The final occupiers of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge are still holding out for a miracle and taking all the prayers they can get.

FBI officials confirmed the armed occupation continued Tuesday, its 32nd day.

Jailed occupation leader Ammon Bundy issued another statement asking the four holdouts to "go home now so their lives are not taken."

He signaled what he wants to happen next: Have the FBI and Oregon State Police leave Harney County so the county sheriff can "cordon off the refuge" as local residents decide what to do with the land, he said.

Local leaders have responded in the past to similar demands by Bundy with silence or an oft-repeated request for him to abandon the standoff and return home.

In the meantime, the remaining occupiers are staying warm by gathering around a fire and eating hamburgers and vegetables...

Keep reading.

And check back for updates. These people can't holdout forever, and things might get crazy, although hopefully not tragic.

Burns, Oregon, Stays Warm and Welcoming as Circus of Outsiders Swarms Residents

Following-up on earlier entries, "LATEST: #Malheur Occupier David Fry Remains at Wildlife Refuge Along with Last Three Holdouts," and "'Hand Up Don't Shoot'! — Dueling LaVoy Finicum Protests at Harney County Courthouse in Burns, Oregon."

And now, at the New York Times, "An Unwanted Circus Descends, and an Oregon Town Strives to Stay Kind":

A circus prevails at the #MalheurRefuge occupation in #Oregon, but decency and kindness are holding their own too. https://t.co/UsTWwZXMsx

— Kirk Johnson (@kljohnso) February 1, 2016

BURNS, Ore. — Remote Western towns, in midwinter’s grip, definitely have some romance to them. But this one has become a circus tent: A giddy but tense crush of humanity has descended here in rural eastern Oregon, benefiting businesses and swamping them, filling bars, and making motel rooms unattainable amid a bizarre tide of guns, police, reporters and ideologues quoting (at length) from the United States Constitution.

That’s Burns.

There is no question things have been rough here. The armed occupation that began on Jan. 2 at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge outside town has dragged on, and tensions heightened last week with the fatal shooting of one of the most visible occupiers, LaVoy Finicum, by Oregon State Police troopers in an arrest that went bad.

The place is just crazily overrun. Every motel room within 70 miles is taken. Barstools are packed at the Central Pastime Tavern, with journalists and armed antigovernment protesters elbow to elbow, tucking down I.P.A.s and perhaps — for braver souls — the bull testicles on the bar menu. Hard to know, but there are probably also undercover F.B.I. agents now and then playing pool in the back, trying to appear like locals in boots and jeans under the mounted bighorn sheep and buffalo heads.

Residents have argued with each other over what to think about the occupiers and their goals, and they have wounded one another in the process.

Anxieties could ratchet up again this week, with a protest planned for Monday at the Harney County courthouse by self-styled patriot groups angry about Mr. Finicum’s death. The United States Marshals Office also said Sunday that one of the 11 people arrested in the standoff — Shawna Cox — had been released, though the authorities would not provide other details. A judge had previously said Ms. Cox could not leave custody until the occupation had ended.

But here’s the thing: For the most part, Burns has not stopped being warm and welcoming to outsiders, even as that has become harder to do. If you were going to spend nearly the entire month of January in a town of about 2,000 people — isolated by distance in the high eastern Oregon desert, and often with bad weather to boot — you could do a lot worse.

“We just decided to be kind,” said Leah Planinz, who owns Glory Days Pizza with her husband, Nick. She was perhaps talking partly about her philosophy, but more specifically about the restaurant’s overstuffed brown leather couch in the back near the arcade room...

Keep reading.

PREVIOUSLY: "Burns, Oregon: Torn Apart by the Malheur Occupation," and "'Ambushed and Assassinated' — Residents in Burns, Oregon, React to Shooting Death of LaVoy Finicum."

'Hands Up Don't Shoot'! — Dueling LaVoy Finicum Protests at Harney County Courthouse in Burns, Oregon

Following-up from this morning, "LATEST: #Malheur Occupier David Fry Remains at Wildlife Refuge Along with Last Three Holdouts."

Via various sources on Twitter, some tense protesters and counter-protesters:

Statement by @HarneyCountyGov Judge Grasty on today's planned protests: pic.twitter.com/oxAO20yoEw

— Harney Cty. Sheriff (@HarneyCoSheriff) February 1, 2016

Protest at Harney County courthouse is a shouting match between locals yelling "go home" and Patriot movement types, many from out of state.

— julieturkewitz (@julieturkewitz) February 1, 2016

Interesting to see Patriot-movement folks using Black Lives Matter language to protest LaVoy's death. "Hands up, don't shoot," they yell.

— julieturkewitz (@julieturkewitz) February 1, 2016

Big sign posted on Harney Co Courthouse door ahead of protest reminding folks no weapons allowed inside #KOIN6News pic.twitter.com/TKU2oO8bDE

— Jennifer Dowling (@JenDowlingKoin6) February 1, 2016

A ribbon was also tied around a lamp post ahead of today's planned gathering outside at around noon #KOIN6News pic.twitter.com/FDoQlXqjlN

— Jennifer Dowling (@JenDowlingKoin6) February 1, 2016

Liz Appelman is ready to stand in solidarity with law enforcement during today's courthouse protest #KOIN6News pic.twitter.com/369EkIBdOR

— Jennifer Dowling (@JenDowlingKoin6) February 1, 2016

Liz says as many as 100 are expected to come out to counter protest the event organized by militia groups #KOIN6News pic.twitter.com/W9I9DQKZ7U

— Jennifer Dowling (@JenDowlingKoin6) February 1, 2016

Sign says "Refuge Occupiers Belong in Jail" #koin6news pic.twitter.com/BurVSW78lN

— Jennifer Dowling (@JenDowlingKoin6) February 1, 2016

Paiute Tribal Chair stands with sign that says "Go Home" outside the Harney Co Courthouse #KOIN6News pic.twitter.com/jCa3EoelhF

— Jennifer Dowling (@JenDowlingKoin6) February 1, 2016

A view from the courthouse steps on the flip side #koin6news pic.twitter.com/EGYcwO94iJ

— Jennifer Dowling (@JenDowlingKoin6) February 1, 2016

Many here today came out to protest Lavoy Finicum's "murder" #koin6news pic.twitter.com/1RM7QUiBZS

— Jennifer Dowling (@JenDowlingKoin6) February 1, 2016

A view from above the protest and counter protest at the Harney Co Courthouse #KOIN6News #MalheurOccupation pic.twitter.com/KYYSizpnUP

— Jennifer Dowling (@JenDowlingKoin6) February 1, 2016

This sign says "stop the anarchy. Thank you LEO (law enforcement officers) " #KOIN6News pic.twitter.com/vONrRPxWS0

— Jennifer Dowling (@JenDowlingKoin6) February 1, 2016

This sign reads "you are not our voice" #KOIN6News #Oregonstandoff #MalheurRefuge occupation pic.twitter.com/iWoRtkpfiz

— Jennifer Dowling (@JenDowlingKoin6) February 1, 2016

Woman in old-style western wear stands with sign that says "For Lavoy" #KOIN6News pic.twitter.com/ypePUTnHEY

— Jennifer Dowling (@JenDowlingKoin6) February 1, 2016

Crowd winding down, some still holding signs by the courthouse protesting the sheriff & Judge Grasty. #KOIN6News pic.twitter.com/odcqgg5yYV

— Jennifer Dowling (@JenDowlingKoin6) February 1, 2016

Protesters say Finicum's death was murder. Counter protesters are supporting enforcement. #Oregonstandoff

— Amanda Peacher (@amandapeacher) February 1, 2016

I estimate 300 locals here supporting law enforcement and officials, 150 protesting Finicum's death. Tense. pic.twitter.com/uJuJWnZ2XJ

— Amanda Peacher (@amandapeacher) February 1, 2016

Protest/counter protest still going on. Lots of shouting/emotion on both sides. #Oregonstandoff pic.twitter.com/EXIZ31Mlv2

— Amanda Peacher (@amandapeacher) February 1, 2016

In the middle of the protests, a circle of local residents begin to pray. #Oregonstandoff pic.twitter.com/OYuTDse4UT

— Amanda Peacher (@amandapeacher) February 1, 2016

This man is growing hoarse yelling "go home" to the PPN protesters. #Oregonstandoff pic.twitter.com/w5JDJbL84f

— Amanda Peacher (@amandapeacher) February 1, 2016

Seeing lots of photos of Finicum among protesters. This man came from Redmond. pic.twitter.com/59esJhXS9e

— Amanda Peacher (@amandapeacher) February 1, 2016

Protesters tried to approach the courthouse doors; locals backed up to block them. #Oregonstandoff pic.twitter.com/2Pf9wKN99s

— Amanda Peacher (@amandapeacher) February 1, 2016

I'll have more on the protests later tonight, with video if it becomes available. Expect updates...

LATEST: #Malheur Occupier David Fry Remains at Wildlife Refuge Along with Last Three Holdouts

The update, from Julie Turkewitz, of the New York Times:

Just spoke with David Fry, one of the Malheur occupation holdouts. He's still there and tells me there are three others with him.

— julieturkewitz (@julieturkewitz) February 1, 2016

There's a huge protest going on outside the Harney County Courthouse right now in Burns. I'll have more on that later today, along with all the regular Iowa blogging.

What a day, man.