Burns, Oregon: Torn Apart by the Malheur Occupation

This story, from Julie Turkewitz, at the New York Times, takes a step back from the breaking news cycle, assessing the costs of the occupation on local residents. It's been harsh.

See, "Oregon Town Torn Apart by Protest at Wildlife Refuge":

Aside: I have seen many small communities get slammed by the media storm. 1/3

— julieturkewitz (@julieturkewitz) January 29, 2016

Usually people get tired very, very fast. 2/3

— julieturkewitz (@julieturkewitz) January 29, 2016

But Burns has been exceptionally welcoming to reporters. Feeding us. Talking to us. Making sure we're safe. I continue to be amazed. 3/3

— julieturkewitz (@julieturkewitz) January 29, 2016

The arguments that broke out in Harney County early on, shortly after the seizure of the Malheur refuge, feel almost quaint now, people said: Were the ideology and tactics of the occupiers valid? Many people supported the goals of the protesters — the return of federal lands to local or private control and the release from prison of two local ranchers convicted of arson for a fire that spread to public land — but disagreed with their illegal armed showdown.

As things dragged on, the questions and fears got darker — about whether the F.B.I. and other law enforcement agencies were doing the right thing and whether the nightmare sympathizers arriving in town — guns on their hips — should be seen as specters of intimidation or of comfort.

After this week’s events, the county has been thrown into kind of debate that was, until now, a headline from somewhere else like Ferguson, Mo., or Baltimore: police violence. The F.B.I. released the video Thursday showing Oregon State Police troopers shooting Mr. Finicum, 54, after he tried to drive around a roadblock and reached for his gun. The state police hoped the release of the video would quell speculation and accusations that Mr. Finicum was gunned down with his hands up. But not everyone was satisfied, and many citizens who watched the video do not accept the F.B.I.’s account of what happened....

Linda Gainer, 63, runs a restaurant about six miles from the refuge. She is one of many people who say the occupation has torn her community apart. Ms. Gainer has fed nearly everyone involved with the standoff: occupiers, F.B.I. agents, journalists, visiting environmentalists and others, but has received criticism for permitting the occupiers to buy food from her cafe.

“People say that we’re unpatriotic, we’re terrorists,” she said.

“You shouldn’t go around and say nasty things about people just because you don’t agree on something,” she said.

Some residents are simply leaving, which does not bode well for a place that has long struggled with an eroding economy and population. For instance, the 17 employees of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge were relocated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, which received “nonspecific” threats about taking them hostage, said Jason Holm, a spokesman for the agency, which runs the refuge.

One Malheur employee, speaking anonymously to protect his safety, said he was living apart from his wife and young children. His family has lived in the area for decades, he said, but is considering moving on for good. “It makes us very angry,” he said.

The Harney County sheriff, Dave Ward, who has been a vocal opponent of the occupation, said the tires of his wife’s vehicle were slashed, prompting her to leave town. The authorities are investigating the matter; no arrests have been made.

Four of the area’s top public officials have resigned since the occupation: the county school superintendent, the principals of the county middle and high schools, and the head of the fire department. The fire chief, Chris Briels, is a supporter of the occupation, and resigned when other officials refused to allow the Bundy group to a host a meeting in town. The educators cited nonoccupational reasons for leaving, saying they wanted to spend more time with grandchildren or seek a position in a larger school...

More.

New Victoria Sharp Statement Says LaVoy Finicum Shot with 'Gun in His Holster and Hands in the Air...' (VIDEO)

Ms. Sharp as featured in the Reuters piece I covered here, "Family Members Challenge FBI Account of LaVoy Finicum's Shooting Death — #OregonStandoff."

According to the article:

The FBI video was released hours after Todd Macfarlane, a lawyer for Finicum's relatives, said other evidence may exist that shows Finicum was not threatening authorities.

Macfarlane said one potential source of information about the shooting was Victoria Sharp, a woman who says she was friends with some of the armed protesters and claims she was at the scene and watched Finicum die.

Sharp said in an interview with Reuters that Finicum was shot with his gun in his holster and his hands in the air, shouting and walking toward police.

Neither state nor federal law enforcement would comment on whether Sharp was at the scene or on her description. Reuters was not able to independently confirm her version of the events.

Here's the video, "Eyewitness claims Oregon occupier had 'hands in the air'."

PREVIOUSLY: "#Malheur Occupier Victoria Sharp Says LaVoy Finicum Had 'Hands Up' Before Police Opened Fire (AUDIO)."

Family Members Challenge FBI Account of LaVoy Finicum's Shooting Death — #OregonStandoff

Following-up from early this morning, "Reaching for Waistband? Slow-Motion Footage Shows Moments Leading to LeVoy Finicum Killing (VIDEO)."

At Reuters, "Family of slain Oregon protester challenges FBI account of his death":

As four armed anti-government protesters held their ground at a U.S. wildlife refuge in Oregon on Friday, the family of a protester killed by police said he seemed to have been shot in the back with his hands up, although authorities said he was reaching for a gun.

Relatives of Robert "LaVoy" Finicum, 54, a spokesman for the group that seized buildings at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, said he posed no threat and they were not accepting the authorities' assertion that he was armed.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation released video on Thursday of state police fatally shooting Finicum, and contended it showed him making a move for a gun in his coat pocket.

"LaVoy was not 'charging' anyone. He appears to have been shot in the back, with his hands in the air," the family of the Arizona rancher said in a statement through their attorney.

"At this point we will await the outcome of any investigation, but based on the information currently available to us, we do not believe that LaVoy's shooting death was justified."

Four armed protesters were still holed up on Friday at the remote refuge, 30 miles (48 km) from Burns, a small ranching community in the state's rural southeast. The FBI says it is working "around the clock" to negotiate with the holdouts.

Ammon Bundy, who led the occupation that began on Jan. 2, was arrested on Tuesday along with other protesters including his brother, Ryan...

Keep reading.

I'm sure family members will be able to review the autopsy report. And c'mon, it's not like Finicum was just peacefully surrendering. He almost plowed down one LEO right there in the snow.

As always, check back for updates...

FBI and OSP Launched Highway Ambush on #Bundy Militiamen in 'Divide and Conquer' Strategy

Well, the militiamen were about as isolated you could be, way out there on far end of U.S. 395.

And it was an ambush, pure and simple.

At the Portland Oregonian, "Strategy for Oregon standoff arrests: 'The best way is to divide and conquer'":

After waiting for nearly a month, staying mostly out of sight and trying unsuccessfully to negotiate behind the scenes with the leaders of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge takeover, federal agents and state police in the last week were facing intensified pressure from the Harney County community and Oregon's governor to end the occupation.

When they became aware that the key figures were planning to head north to the next county along a remote, two-lane stretch of highway, they no doubt considered it a prime opportunity to arrest them, former FBI agents and police experts say.

"The best way is to divide and conquer,'' said Clint Van Zandt, a former FBI chief hostage negotiator. "If we know through intelligence that the leadership of the group is leaving, what we need to do is intercept and arrest them.''

The FBI and state and local police early on seemed to hope that a "wait-them-out" approach would work. But they probably soon realized that they had a future chance to make arrests when Ammon Bundy and members of his inner circle began attending meetings outside the refuge.

"I'm sure that thought came up as time went by and they noticed them coming and going from the refuge," Van Zandt said.

On Tuesday, the masterminds of the armed siege were separated from the refuge and the other occupiers, a core group that seemed to fluctuate between 20 to 40 people since the takeover began Jan. 2. They likely were armed but wouldn't have access in their trucks to a big stash of weapons and other ammunition.

And the narrow spot along U.S. 395 between Burns and John Day, hemmed in by tall snow banks, was isolated from homes and businesses, leaving few options for an escape route, experts said Friday.

"Frankly to take someone mobile on the road is a lot safer than in one location, such as the refuge or around a populated area where a lot of people could be watching or reacting,'' said Danny Coulson, who served as special-agent-in-charge of the FBI in Oregon before becoming the agency's deputy assistant director in charge of terrorism operations.

Moving in just before dark was also ideal.

"You want to do it in daylight so everybody can see what's going on,'' Van Zandt said...

Still more.

Pacific Patriots Network Issues 'Call to Action', Urging 'Any and All Americans to Come to Burns, Oregon...'

The FBI and OSP set up all kinds of roadblocks around the wildlife reserve yesterday. Anyone attempting to cross the lines would be arrested.

So it's interesting about the PPN's "Call to Action." What, are a bunch of cowboys and ranchers going to hole up at all the hotels in Burns, Oregon, and reminisce each morning over eggs, biscuits and gravy at the local diner?

We'll see.

At the Portland Oregonian, "'Thousands' called to Burns to tell FBI to leave after occupation leader's arrest."

Here's PPN's statement, "IN RESPONSE TO THESE EVENTS, PACIFIC PATRIOTS NETWORK IS ISSUING CALL TO ACTION":

militant supporters are meeting online RIGHT NOW to discuss a potential rescue attempt. this as PPN calls for this https://t.co/Pn4JotPMZy

— John Sepulvado (@JohnLGC) January 29, 2016

They're calling on ppl from throughout the country to come to Harney County.

— John Sepulvado (@JohnLGC) January 29, 2016

Calling on any and all Americans to come to Burns, Oregon to come to the aid of the American people standing against these violent, malicious and deceitful tactics. Come stand together with other Americans, and express our Constitutional right to PEACEFULLY assemble and air our grievances.

This operation will demand the following:

- Immediate detention by Oregon State Police of the FBI special agent in charge along with all agents and LEO involved in the shooting death of Lavoy Finicum. A first hand eyewitness account presents reasonable cause for arrest while the investigation takes place.

- Immediate removal of all militarized FBI personnel and equipment from Harney County. All State and County Law Enforcement officers are not included and requested to stay and assist in the process to keep the peace.

- Immediate resignation of Judge Steve Grasty, Sheriff David Ward, County commissioner Pete Runnels, and County commissioner Dan Nichols.

In order to successfully accomplish our mission, we will need any and all Americans to PEACEFULLY assemble within Burns, Oregon immediately. The success of this mission depends fully on the number of people that will come to PEACEFULLY stand and demand the items above be initiated.

A letter of intent will be legally served on the FBI special agent in charge at the time of Lavoy Finicum's death, Judge Steven Grasty, Sheriff David Ward, Dan Nichols and Pete Runnels by January 29th, 2016. We will request to escort the FBI presence out of Harney County, Oregon and once complete, the attention will return to the resignation of the County elected officials.

PPN is dedicated to a PEACEFUL operation. If you have any ill intent, please do not come. We do not need you. Please come prepared with civilian attire and adhere to the policy of no long guns within the community.

Please come self sufficient and able to care for yourself for the time you plan to stay. Donations arrive daily but they are not sustainable for a large or lengthy contingency.

We ask that you email us at volunteer@pacificpatriotsnetwork.comg if and when you are planning to come and stand in Burns, Oregon.

Peaceful. No long guns. Good luck with that.

PREVIOUSLY: "Bundy Militia Supporters Protest at Harney County Courthouse, Calling Lavoy Finicum's 'Death a Murder'."

Bundy Militia Supporters Protest at Harney County Courthouse, Calling Lavoy Finicum's 'Death a Murder'

Here's Jennifer Dowling, of KOIN News 6, on Twitter, "Group of protesters stands outside Harney Co. Courthouse, calls Lavoy Finicum's death a 'murder'."

Previous Malheur blogging is here.

Donald Trumps Gloats, Ted Cruz 'Got Pummeled' at the GOP Debate (VIDEO)

Heh.

Gotta love the boxing metaphor from the casino mogul.

He's glad he missed the debate.



More, at WSJ, "Donald Trump Calls Ted Cruz ‘Anchor Baby’ in Latest Eligibility Jab."

Bac Duong, Orange County Jail Escapee, Taken Back Into Custody (VIDEO)

He turned himself in.

One down two to go.

At the O.C. Register, "Orange County jail escape: Bac Duong, one of the three escaped inmates, in custody":

Bac Duong, one of the three inmates who escaped from the Orange County Men’s Central Jail, turned himself in Friday morning, said Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens.

Duong, 43, was arrested about 11:50 a.m. after he got in touch with a woman in Santa Ana. He was arrested without incident near the Auto Electric Rebuilders shop at 1421 N. Harbor Blvd.

Trin Nguyen, whose father-in-law owns the shop, said Duong walked into the building and told his wife that he wanted to turn himself in. He said his wife seemed scared. She called police.

Nguyen, who has known Duong for 10 years, said “he's a good friend of mine, he's a good person. I think he was scared. He just showed up and told my wife.”

Other employees at the store also spoke to the throng of media:

[VIDEOS EMBEDDED AT THE STORY.]

The other inmates – Hossein Nayeri and Jonathan Tieu – were not arrested and are still fugitives. After the arrest, investigators conducted a car-by-car search in the Auto Electric Rebuilders parking lot with their guns drawn. They are also searching an adjacent motel.

Duong had been held on an attempted murder charge after a shooting in Santa Ana in November.

Investigators said Duong stole a car on Saturday, and they believe all three inmates were living in the white utility van. That GMC van is still missing...

More.

CNN's been giving the O.C. jailbreak story more airtime than the Malheur siege. I don't know, but white militiamen probably aren't going to get as much sympathy from the network's leftists than the other two suspects, who're Iranian and Vietnamese (hardly oppressed minority groups, but still).

Izabel Goulart at Paris Fashion Week

A short break from the Oregon standoff.

At WWTDD, "Izabel Goulart Delicious Sideboob and Shit Around the Web."

And at London's Daily Mail, "Izabel Goulart displays plenty of sideboob in risqué plum dress at Valentino… after wowing in a series of stunning outfits at Paris Fashion Week."

She's classy.

Malheur Militiaman Sean Anderson Has 'Extensive History of Criminal Convictions', Including Resisting Arrest

Following-up, "LATEST: #Malheur Holdouts Reject FBI Surrender Deal: Sandy Anderson Won't Leave Husband Sean."

The word's now that Sean Anderson's become the leader of the remaining holdouts at the compound.

He's the one seen earlier this week in the bizarre livestream, "'They're Going to Murder All of Us!' — #Malheur Occupiers Livestream Siege at Wildlife Refuge (VIDEO)."

He and his wife also posted that "last dance" video, which gives you some insight to their state of mind, "WATCH: Sean and Sandy Anderson, Husband and Wife Occupiers at #Malheur, Post 'Last Dance' Video."

While David Fry's clearly not right in his head, Anderson's probably more worried about doing a serious time in federal prison, and is perhaps intent to make the siege into an apocalyptic last stand. He's got a long history with the criminal justice system, and who knows? Maybe he'll attempt to resist going back in by any means necessary.

See the Portland Oregonian, "Four holdouts want charge dropped for one to end occupation":

Officials from the U.S. Marshals Service wouldn't comment on whether there was an outstanding warrant for Anderson's arrest, and the FBI didn't respond to a request for information.

But court records show Anderson has an extensive history of criminal convictions in Wisconsin.

He has an outstanding bench warrant related to an August 2014 arrest. Anderson was charged with resisting an officer, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia, all misdemeanors.

Wisconsin court records show Anderson was convicted of misdemeanor disorderly conduct in 1998, 2008 and 2009. He was convicted of criminal trespassing in 2002.

The court documents and Anderson's Facebook page indicate he lives in Janesville, Wisconsin. Anderson wears a vest with a patch from Wisconsin III%, a patriot group, in his Facebook photo. Field & Stream magazine reported that Anderson and his wife recently moved to Riggins, Idaho.

Anderson owns Hurricane Outdoor Supply, which lists a Riggins address on Facebook. The company sells camping, hiking, hunting, survival and tactical gear.

Anderson has posted prolifically to Facebook. At 3:14 a.m. Wednesday, he wrote: "My last words ..... Woop woop." It appeared to be a reference to losing cellphone service.

In Fry's live-stream video, Anderson yelled, "They're going to murder all of us," referring to the FBI and other officers who began surrounding the refuge.

"American people better wake up and get here and fight for your country right now, it is on," he said. "If they stop you from getting here, kill them."

Anderson appeared in a video Fry posted Thursday morning that was called "Update: Maybe Last Dance? Husband and Wife."

He and his wife danced slowly to "Tangled Up in You," a song by Staind blasting out of the door of a nearby pickup, with an American flag on a pole laid up against the side.

Both Andersons are dressed in camo gear, Sean Anderson with a small copy of the Constitution tucked in his chest pocket. Cases of water and beer rested near their feet, surrounded in sagebrush. Another American flag was wedged among rocks nearby.

After the dance, Sean Anderson turned to the camera, sniffling. "We want to live," he said.

"We're free Americans," he said. "This isn't Nazi Germany. We don't need checkpoints. We don't need felony charges."

Anderson said he and the others were simply camping in the desert, hurting no one.

The holdouts' families, however, are concerned that their loved ones may get hurt.

Check back for continued coverage...

LATEST: #Malheur Holdouts Reject FBI Surrender Deal: Sandy Anderson Won't Leave Husband Sean

The siege continues.

Previously, "LATEST: Malheur Holdout David Fry Posts New Video; Refusing to Surrender, Demanding Pardon (VIDEO)," and "WATCH: Sean and Sandy Anderson, Husband and Wife Occupiers at #Malheur, Post 'Last Dance' Video."

Now, at Oregon Public Broadcasting, "Militants Say Negotiations With FBI Stall At Malheur Refuge":

.@OPB has obtained audio from inside the compound currently -- we'll give an update at noon.

— John Sepulvado (@JohnLGC) January 29, 2016

Sean Anderson says LaVoy Finicum's death is like "another waco." Says he's "ready for them."

— John Sepulvado (@JohnLGC) January 29, 2016

Wow. Sandy Anderson says Sean told her to leave, she refused. everyone was ready to go. she wouldn't leave him. Jeff & David then stayed.

— John Sepulvado (@JohnLGC) January 29, 2016

it also seems that while david fry is the most vocal, but sean is now the leader.

— John Sepulvado (@JohnLGC) January 29, 2016

They're calling on ppl from throughout the country to come to Harney County.

— John Sepulvado (@JohnLGC) January 29, 2016

A deal w/FBI was almost in place Thurs., but Sandy Anderson decided not to leave husband Sean. https://t.co/K5f8A9huYC #Oregonstandoff

— Amanda Peacher (@amandapeacher) January 29, 2016

OPB obtained audio of a conversation Friday morning from one of the four remaining occupiers of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

The remaining militants inside are David Fry of Blanchester, Ohio, husband and wife Sean and Sandy Anderson of Janesville, Wisconsin, and Jeff Banta of Elko, Nevada.

During the conversation, Sean Anderson said the group is not going to negotiate with the FBI at this time, and they are prepared to wait until all their supplies are depleted.

He also said that the militants don’t plan to shoot at law enforcement unless they are shot at first.

According to the conversation and other details obtained from Fry’s family members, a deal with the FBI seemed to be in place Thursday, but it required Sean Anderson to turn himself in to the police. His wife, Sandy, refused to leave him.

Fry and Banta were said to have accepted the negotiated deal, but because of Sandy Anderson’s refusal, the four made a pact to stay together until the end of the standoff.

In a new video released Friday, Fry said he and the other militants were testing the negotiation boundaries when they asked the FBI to be released without charges...

Still more.

Anderson and Fry are freakin' crazy bastards, and armed to the teeth, because something like 20 additional firearms were left behind at the compound yesterday amid the mass of activity.

As always, expect updates...

LATEST: Judge Stacie F. Beckerman Won't Release Bundy Defendants as Long as Malheur Siege Continues (VIDEO)

And the siege is continuing, alright.

Previously, "#Malheur: Last Four Militia Members Are 'Desperate', Heavily Armed — Won't Leave Without Guarantees," and "LATEST: Malheur Holdout David Fry Posts New Video; Refusing to Surrender, Demanding Pardon (VIDEO)."

And here the latest, at the Portland Oregonian, "Judge won't release Oregon standoff defendants as long as refuge occupation continues":

A federal judge made it clear Thursday that she won't release any of the alleged federal conspirators accused in the armed takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge as long as the occupation is still active.

"So long as that situation is ongoing, I'm not going to release anybody from custody,'' U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacie F. Beckerman said during the first court appearance for three more people charged in the case.

The continued occupation only increases the defendants' danger to public safety and risk of flight, Beckerman said.

Her remarks in court followed a public statement a couple of hours earlier from jailed protest leader Ammon Bundy for the holdouts to go home. One of his attorneys read Bundy's statement outside the federal courthouse.

The latest federal complaint involved Jason Patrick, 43, of Bonaire, Georgia, Duane Leo Ehmer, 45, of Irrigon, and Dylan Anderson, 34, of Provo, Utah,, all arrested Wednesday by the FBI at checkpoints outside the refuge as they were leaving.

They're among 11 people charged so far with the federal offense of conspiracy to impede federal officers from their official duties through use of force, intimidation or threats.

After siege leaders were arrested Tuesday and occupation spokesman Robert "LaVoy" Finicum was fatally shot, the FBI and state police directed all remaining protesters at the bird sanctuary to leave, according to the complaint's affidavit.

Patrick, Ehmer and Anderson remained...

Still more.

Expect updates...

LATEST: Malheur Holdout David Fry Posts New Video; Refusing to Surrender, Demanding Pardon (VIDEO)

Here's the latest on the siege, from OPB's John Sepulvado, "militants spoke to fbi today -- david fry says first demand about meeting with fed prosecutors hasn't been met," and "shorter david fry: the only chance we have to escape, get a pardon, is in a group."

Fry's apparently citing President Bill Clinton's pardon of big-money Democrat donor Marc Rich, who was pardoned on January 20, 2001, just moments before Clinton left office.

It's a good bet that Fry's on drugs right now. Seriously, he's talking a mile-a-minute at the video.

Commenters at the YouTube clip are snarking that he's on meth.

PREVIOUSLY: "Armed Militiaman David Fry, Among Last Holdouts at Malheur Reserve, Says He's Prepared to Die in Siege," and "#Malheur: Last Four Militia Members Are 'Desperate', Heavily Armed — Won't Leave Without Guarantees."

Keep checking back for updates throughout the day.

Reaching for Waistband? Slow-Motion Footage Shows Moments Leading to LeVoy Finicum Killing (VIDEO)

The FBI tried mighty hard to tamp down "inaccurate, some inflammatory" versions of the shooting on U.S. 395.

Previously, "Dramatic Footage Shows FBI and OSP Ambush LaVoy Finicum, Shoot and Kill Reaching for Waistband (VIDEO)."

The Portland Oregonian's now got a story on the failure of the agency to quash conspiracies surround the death of LaVoy Finicum.

See, "Video of LaVoy Finicum's death fuels rampant rumors, debate":

BURNS -- In a rare move, the FBI on Thursday released footage of Robert "LaVoy" Finicum's fatal shooting two days earlier at the hands of Oregon State Police troopers.

It's unusual for law enforcement agencies to release video footage of police shootings so quickly. Doing so, FBI officials hoped, would dispel rumors about Finicum's death.

Instead, the debate grew louder.

For those inclined to believe the police account of the shooting – that Finicum was shot after resisting arrest on a remote highway between Burns and John Day – the grainy, soundless video offered confirmation.

But for those who believed a different account – that Finicum had his hands up in surrender when police killed him – the video stoked more furor.

People argued on social media, in the comments sections, in the aisles of the local Safeway and over meals at McDonald's. Did the video offer clear evidence that police were justified in shooting Finicum, or were doubters right to use the words "murder" and "execution?"

What is clear: During an Oregon State Police and FBI operation to arrest Finicum and several other leaders of the standoff at Malheur National Wildife Refuge, authorities stopped two vehicles traveling north on U.S. 395.

Inside were eight people, including several key members of the group that seized the wildlife refuge headquarters on Jan. 2.

Three people inside the Jeep – including Ammon Bundy, the son of controversial rancher Cliven Bundy and a leader of the refuge takeover -- were arrested.

From a white truck driven by Finicum, occupation leader Ryan Payne also emerged to surrender. The truck stayed idle for several minutes, then Finicum sped away.

After two bends in the road, he encountered a police roadblock and veered into a snowbank. The truck was stuck. Finicum emerged with arms outstretched, then lowered them and appeared to reach left into his jacket pocket. He raised his hands again, then reached again into the pocket. Police shot him, and he fell onto his back.

Finicum raised his right hand, then lay still as police focused on removing three remaining passengers from the truck.

"We did everything we could to bring this to a peaceful resolution," said Greg Bretzing, a special agent in charge with the FBI.

That did little to allay doubters' concerns...

Keep reading.

There're additional investigations underway, and no doubt we'll have the release of further video evidence, including both body-cams and dash-cams.

Check back here for all the latest on the siege.

Weekend Storm to Dump Lots More Rain and Snow in California's Sierra Nevadas (VIDEO)

Heh.

The leftist climate fear-mongers won't have the "drought" to use as a collective hammer this year. The El Niño weather pattern's blasting the Southwestern U.S. with all kinds of precipitation.

Previously, "El Niño's Helping, But Still a Ways to Go."

And here's an update, from KCRW News 3 Sacramento:

VIDEO: LaVoy Finicum Talks About Caring for #Maleur Refuge Property

Following-up from earlier today, "FBI Releases Footage Shot from Aircraft Showing Police Chase of LaVoy Finicum in Rural Oregon."

Watch, via the Portland Oregonian:



I've got updates from Malheur in the pipeline. The remaining occupiers may have turned down a chance to leave peacefully.

Stay tuned.

Footage Shows Victoria Sharp Surrendering to Police After LaVoy Finicum Killing — #Malheur (VIDEO)

Following-up from previously, "Footage Shows Ryan Payne Surrendering to Police After LaVoy Finicum Killing — #Malheur (VIDEO)."

Watch, here's another clip, via the Portland Oregonian, "This excerpt shows Victoria Sharp surrendering to the FBI and OSP."

And check back for more breaking updates throughout the day.

Meanwhile, at OPB, "Day 28 of Malheur occupation: 5 things you need to know."

Footage Shows Ryan Payne Surrendering to Police After LaVoy Finicum Killing — #Malheur (VIDEO)

Following-up from previously, "Footage Shows Ryan Bundy Surrendering to Police After LaVoy Finicum Killing — #Malheur (VIDEO)."

Watch more footage, via the Portland Oregonian, "Watch this excerpt showing Ryan Payne surrending after LaVoy Finicum was murdered."

Check back for updates. It turns out David Fry just woke up. They've got it terribly bad up there, lol!

Footage Shows Ryan Bundy Surrendering to Police After LaVoy Finicum Killing — #Malheur (VIDEO)

Following-up from earlier, "FBI Releases Footage Shot from Aircraft Showing Police Chase of LaVoy Finicum in Rural Oregon."

Here's more, via the Portland Oregonian, "The FBI released video footage of the traffic stop that ended in the death of Robert Finicum, one of the spokesmen for the armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. This excerpt shows Ryan Bundy getting out his car."

Check back for updates throughout the day.

Media personnel are trying to make contact with David Fry at the Malheur compound. He's not been answering his calls, although power remains on at the headquarters.

English as Second Language Teacher Arrested in O.C. Jailbreak Case (VIDEO)

At the O.C. Register, "O.C. jail escape: Lake Forest teacher, who worked in lockup, is arrested in breakout":

An English as a Second Language teacher from the Rancho Santiago Community College District who worked in the jail has been arrested in connection with the escape of three inmates, Orange County Sheriff's Lt. Jeff Hallock said Thursday.

Nooshafarin Ravaghi, 44, of Lake Forest is accused of helping the three inmates escape, aiding them by bringing Google Maps, which Hallock said might be useful because they show the roof of the jail. The three inmates, Hossein Nayeri, Jonathan Tieu and Bac Duong, rappelled from the roof last Friday when they escaped.

Ravaghi denied bringing cutting tools into the jail, Hallock said.

Hallock said Ravaghi and one of the escapees, Hossein Nayeri, had a student-teacher relationship that “developed into a closer relationship.” She had been cleared to teach at the jail since July of 2015.

Hallock said as many as 10 arrests have been made, but the three escapees are still at large. Authorities have not released names of the people arrested because they don’t want to hinder the investigation.

Investigators believe the three escapees stole a utility van Saturday in the South Los Angeles area.

“Investigators feel strongly that these inmates may be living out of this vehicle,” Hallock said.

On Saturday, Duong answered a for-sale advertisement for a white GMC Savanna, took the car for a test drive and didn’t return the car, Hallock said. The van’s license plate number is 8U66466...

More.

PREVIOUSLY: "Experts Question Detention and Security Protocols at Orange County Jail."