Oregon delegates continue to react to the occupation at the Malheur Wildlife Refuge in Harney County. Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley was in Eugene Friday and said the occupation has been a tremendous cost to the State, and federal government because of the FBI time and local community expenses.
Merkley: "And so Senator Wyden and I intend be working to see if there is any way the federal government can help compensate the community of help compensate the State."
The FBI video released last week which shows the traffic stop resulting in the arrest of brothers Ammon and Ryan Bundy, among others. It also showed the fatal shooting of one of the occupiers, Robert “LaVoy” Finicum. Merkley said he has seen the video.
Merkley: "The sentiment of the community expressed by the Sheriff, David Ward was: 'All of you are coming to Oregon from outside of our state saying you want to help our community. The best way to help our community is to go home.'"
Four occupiers remain in the Wildlife Refuge despite calls from Ammon Bundy to surrender. The remaining militants have demanded full pardons in exchange for leaving the site.
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