An armed group called the 3% of Idaho has joined the Oregon occupiers to ‘make sure nothing stupid happens’
Manuel Valdes, Associated Press
BusinessInsider.com
Jan. 9, 2016
BURNS, Ore. (AP) — The leader of an armed group occupying a national wildlife refuge to protest federal land management policies said he and his followers are not ready to leave even though the sheriff and many locals say the group has overstayed its welcome.
On Friday, Ammon Bundy, leader of the group that on Jan. 2 seized the headquarters of the refuge in southeastern Oregon, said: “How long will this go on? We say to you, ‘Not a minute too early.’ ”
Bundy met Thursday with Harney County Sheriff David Ward, who asked Bundy to heed the will of locals and leave the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Ward also offered to escort Bundy and his group out of the refuge to ensure safe passage.
“We will take that offer,” Bundy said on Friday. “But not yet.”
A few hours later, Ward said via Twitter that because of Bundy’s stance he was calling off plans to have another meeting with him.
“During this morning’s press conference, the people on the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge made it clear that they have no intention of honoring the sheriff’s request to leave. Because of that, there are no planned meetings or calls at this time,” Ward said.
But Ward said he is “keeping all options open.”
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