Burns, Ore. — A group of Oregon militants have taken over the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge headquarters in a protest against the federal government. The group claims to be supporting Harney County ranchers Dwight and Steve Hammond, who are facing prison for arson on federal land.
The Hammonds, who are father and son, said they started the fires to stop invasive plants from growing in their grazing fields, but officials said the fire also burned federal land. Both men have already served time in prison, however a judge recently ruled that they need to serve additional sentences on the federal charges. The Hammonds said they plan to surrender at a California prison in the next week.
Following the announcement, a group made up of hundreds of protesters gathered in Burns in and the surrounding area. According to KGW, a militia group then took over the the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge headquarters, and have been occupying it ever since.
Law enforcement has so far not engaged protesters.
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