WASHINGTON, DC –Today, Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after law enforcement officials arrested militant leaders.
“I am pleased that the FBI has listened to the concerns of the local community and responded to the illegal activity occurring in Harney County by outside extremists. The leaders of this group are now in custody and I hope that the remaining individuals occupying the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge will peacefully surrender so this community can begin to heal the deep wounds that this illegal activity has created over the last month.
“The locally elected leaders and state, local, and federal law enforcement are to be commended for their close coordination in working to address this crisis.”