Elected officials must denounce Bundy family and militia groups, stop dangerous rhetoric
DENVER—In response to reports that armed militia groups have taken over the headquarters of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon, the Center for Western Priorities released the following statements:
Jessica Goad, Advocacy Director:
“At this tense moment, it’s crucial that elected officials and those seeking office unite to make it clear they do not support the illegal actions of the Bundy family and their militant supporters. Far too many politicians have relied on the language and support of these extremists to advance their anti-government agenda—even going so far as to claim the U.S. government has no right to Western lands that belong to the American people.”
Jennifer Rokala, Executive Director:
“The dedicated men and women who protect wildlife and manage lands on behalf of all Americans deserve far better than to watch their workplace occupied by armed members of the militia. Regardless of your opinions about land management policies, we can all agree that armed standoffs and threats have no place in our democracy. We hope this situation comes to a peaceful end, and those who broke the law are held accountable for their actions.”
CWP’s Jessica Goad was in Burns, Oregon on Saturday and observed the protests and militia activity. In August, she authored a report connecting the dots between politicians advocating for land seizure in Western states and militia groups like the Oath Keepers, the III%ers, and the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association. The report, Going to Extremes, is available at westernpriorities.org/
The leader of the land seizure movement is Utah State Rep. Ken Ivory. Ivory also runs the American Lands Council, an organization dedicated to promoting legislation and lawsuits to force the handover of national lands to states, local governments, and private interests. As CWP revealed in its investigation, Ivory is the bridge between extremist groups, conspiracy theorists, and mainstream politicians, including some presidential candidates.
Jennifer Rokala and Jessica Goad are available for video and audio interviews about the land seizure movement and its ties to anti-government militia groups. To schedule an interview, or for more information, contact media director Aaron Weiss at aaron@westernpriorities.org or 720-279-0019.