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IPFS News Link • Militia

Burns residents confront militia over fears of violence

• http://www.oregonlive.com, By Les Zaitz

They had gathered ahead of today's planned rally in downtown Burns.

For days, there have been fears that the militia-led event would turn violent. Some of the militia leaders orchestrating the rally participated in an armed standoff last year in Nevada over a rancher's cattle.

They have come to Harney County for another ranching family. Ranchers Dwight Hammond Jr. and his son Steven are scheduled to report to prison Monday for arson in a case that has stirred anti-government sentiment among the militia and the ranching community.

Some militia members had demanded local authorities provide sanctuary for the Hammonds so they don't have to go to prison.

But there was no talk of sanctuary Friday night. Instead, militia members found themselves peppered with questions. They were pressed about what good they were doing. Half a dozen came with handguns strapped to their hips.


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