Cliven Bundy, the scofflaw Nevada rancher whose dispute over grazing fees led to a 2014 armed showdown with the federal government, was arrested late Wednesday in Oregon as he went to lend support to armed militants holed up at a wildlife preserve.
The 74-year-old Bundy was charged with conspiracy to interfere with a federal officer — the same federal charge two of his sons face in connection with the Jan. 2 takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.
The elder Bundy also faces weapons charges.
His bodyguard, Jonathan Speece, was reportedly questioned and released, and a second man traveling with them, Jason Blomgren, was also arrested on unspecified charges.
His family posted on their Facebook page that a SWAT team was awaiting Bundy’s arrival at the Portland airport and took him into custody.
The rancher and his companions were on his way from Portland to Burns, Oregon, near the nature preserve where FBI agents have closed in on four remaining occupiers.
The 74-year-old Bundy was charged with conspiracy to interfere with a federal officer — the same federal charge two of his sons face in connection with the Jan. 2 takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.
The elder Bundy also faces weapons charges.
His bodyguard, Jonathan Speece, was reportedly questioned and released, and a second man traveling with them, Jason Blomgren, was also arrested on unspecified charges.
His family posted on their Facebook page that a SWAT team was awaiting Bundy’s arrival at the Portland airport and took him into custody.
The rancher and his companions were on his way from Portland to Burns, Oregon, near the nature preserve where FBI agents have closed in on four remaining occupiers.
