The ultimate call on what those charges will be is up to the FBI, which is leading the criminal investigation into the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.
Harney County Sheriff David Ward.
Rick Bowmer / AP
BURNS, Oregon - Militants who have taken over a federal wildlife refuge could face charges, the local sheriff told Oregon Public Broadcasting Tuesday.
The comments by Harney County Sheriff Dave Ward came as armed men from militias and other groups who took over the Malheur Wildlife Refuge were readying to spend their fourth night at the compound.
On Monday, Ward told the men at the refuge to "go home," and on Tuesday said he been assured by the FBI that those who remain at the compound would face federal charges.
"The FBI is handling the criminal case occurring on the refuge and the bureau has assured me those at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge will at some point face charges," Ward said in an interview with OPB.
Sheriff officials told BuzzFeed News the FBI is spearheading any criminal investigation that stems from the occupation.
Ammon Bundy, center, one of the sons of Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy, walks off after speaking with reporters during a news conference at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge headquarters.
Rick Bowmer / AP
Many of the armed men, however, have told BuzzFeed News they don't believe they are breaking laws because the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is a public area.
Members of militia have invited members of the press inside for the past two days, opened sheds, doors to buildings, and passing around building access keys to each other.
In at least one occasion, however, BuzzFeed News observed members of the militia blocking access to a reporter who wanted to go inside one of the buildings under occupation.
BuzzFeed News also observed trucks bearing the logo of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge that had been commandeered and used by members of the militia.
from BuzzFeed - USNews http://ift.tt/1TDwLxc
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