January 27, 2016

With audio: Wyden Statement on Malheur Wildlife Refuge Arrests

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today issued the following statement:

“My overriding priority is that the remaining militants will leave the refuge peacefully and in short order.  Oregonians expect their safety and the rule of law to be preserved, so I commend the FBI for moving to arrest the leaders of this illegal occupation.  It is deeply unfortunate that these militants’ actions have resulted in violence.  There was an immediate threat that the occupation in Harney County would spread to nearby communities as outsiders sought to use Eastern Oregon to advance their extremist agenda.

“I have spoken with community leaders in Harney County repeatedly.  They are going to keep working to bring this sad episode to a prompt end.  The community, law-enforcement and local officials deserve tremendous credit for their resilience and determination in the face of this crisis.”

Audio of Sen. Wyden's statement can be found here.

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