U.S. military intelligence analysis documents obtained by Newsweek reveal that defense officials do not believe there are terrorists or other national security threats present within the so-called “migrant caravan.” Despite this, Trump has demanded that up to 15,000 military troops be dispatched to the border, to brace for an “invasion” that doesn't exist, just before the midterm elections. Read the rest

The FBI has released footage that shows militiaman LaVoy Finicum's death at the hands of law enforcement officers manning a roadblock.

In the video, Finicum's vehicle tries to evade the block only to plunge into a roadside snowbank after narrowly missing one of the officers manning it. He jumps out the car with his hands up, but keeps moving and reaches into his pocket. Someone shoots him and he falls to the snow.

The 8-minute version is above. The confrontation begins at about 5:30m. They also published a longer tape of the event. The moment when Finicum is shot is embedded below.

One one hand, his movements seem more confused than aggressive. On the other hand, he's an armed man, running around and reaching for his pockets after almost mowing a guy down at a roadblock. He did not have his hands in the air when he was shot (as at least one witness claimed) but he didn't have his piece out, either.

What are the key facts, legally speaking? Read the rest

Ammon Bundy, the leader of the armed occupation of a Federal wildlife reserve in Oregon, has told the rest of them to leave it following his arrest.

It is unclear how many people are still at the refuge. The local sheriff, Dave Ward, said the illegal occupation was tearing the community apart. Speaking through his attorney, Mr Bundy called for the siege to come to an end. He said: "To those remaining at the refuge, I love you. Let us take this fight from here. "Please stand down. Go home and hug your families. This fight is ours for now in the courts."

He's worried someone else will become the hero, the center of attention, if the group digs in or is removed by force.

Photo: Reuters Read the rest

Unsurprisingly, the occupied Malheur Wildlife Refuge buildings contain over 4000 native artifacts, belonging to the Burns Paiute tribe. The militant rebels are not making the native Americans feel good about their occupation, and apparently call the natives "savages."

The Burns Paiute Tribe is rightly demanding the United States live up to treaty obligations, and prosecute any damages to their artifacts and archaeological resources.

Via ICMNT:

Occupation leader Ammon Bundy, from Arizona and son of Cliven Bundy, the Nevada rancher involved in a standoff with the federal government over copy million in unpaid grazing fees on public land, has offered to meet with the tribe but the tribe says he has no right to hold their history hostage and have refused to grant him even the appearance of such authority by meeting with him.

“Some of the members of the community were open to them,” Roderique says, “when they first came but now the county chained and locked everything up and said no you can’t have your meeting in town.”

Harney County officials have stated they will not allow the militants to use any county-owned building for fear of more takeovers of public property.

“They tried to ask us for our gathering center and our facility was booked up. We just kind of laughed and said they want to use our 'savage' facilities?”

Roderique was referencing a “Harney County Committee of Safety” website made by supporters of the takeover who profess to exist “to secure the property and lives of the association members from threats from the savages.”

One of the men occupying the Malheur wildlife preserve building in Oregon has, finally, been arrested. Why? Because he drove off in one of the feds' trucks.

The Oregonian reports: "Kenneth Medenbach, 62, of Crescent, was arrested on suspicion of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, a class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison. He was to be booked into the Deschutes County Jail in Bend with bail set at $10,000, officials said."

Two trucks were impounded, and it's not clear if they know who was in the other one or what that person's fate is. Evidently, the two had decided to go shopping at Safeway, having become tired of the diet of candy cock that Americans are mailing in response to their pleas for groceries. Read the rest

Seems the "patriots" in Oregon, who have occupied a wild life sanctuary, are fixing to start trying local officials for undisclosed, but "substantial" crimes. They have brought in a phony judge and are raring to go!

TPM shares the story:

After 11 days of occupying a federal wildlife refuge in Oregon, a group of U.S. militiamen have brought in some "Constitutional" back up to help hold local officials accountable.

According to the Oregonian, self-proclaimed U.S. Superior Court Judge Bruce Doucette (not a real judge) arrived in Harney County Tuesday and is readying militiamen for a big old trial.

Doucette, who is reportedly associated with the sovereign citizen movement, met with individuals at the wildlife refuge Tuesday and said he believed there was substantial evidence against local officials to take action.

...and yes, they have committed treason. Read the rest