Updates to our Terms of Use

We are updating our Terms of Use. Please carefully review the updated Terms before proceeding to our website.

Tuesday, April 16, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Oregon Standoff Unravels With Arrests, 1 Dead

(CN) - The FBI and Oregon State Police arrested the leaders of the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge on Tuesday, killing one and wounding another in the process.

The FBI announced that they arrested ringleader Ammon Bundy, his brother Ryan Bundy, and three fellow occupiers at twilight as they drove along Highway 395 in desolate Harney County. The brothers face felony charges of conspiracy to impede officers of the United States from discharging their official duties through the use of force, intimidation, or threats.

There was gunfire, the FBI said.

Also arrested during the shootout were Brian Cavalier, 44, of Bunkerville, Nev.; Shawna Cox, 59, of Kanab, Utah; and Ryan Waylen Payne, 32 of Anaconda, Mont.

There were two other apparently coordinated arrests.

Two hours later, in Burns Ore. - the closest small town to the Malheur Wildlife Refuge - the FBI arrested Pete Santilli, 50, of Cincinnati, Ohio. Santilli is a radio talk show host and self styled "rabble-rouser" who appeared to be part of the press in the early days of the occupation, but seemed to get closer to the Bundys as the days wore on. He often interrupted press conferences and community meetings, shouting down speakers with differing views, while at the same time filming the event.

Oregon State Police Joseph Donald O'Shaughnessy, 45, of Cottonwood, Ariz. O'Shaughnessy was arrested in Burns, just before Santilli's arrest.

All seven people face the same charges.

The FBI would not say who was killed during the arrests.

Follow @@karinapdx
Categories / Uncategorized

Subscribe to Closing Arguments

Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.

Loading...