Bundy standoff

Bundy standoff
Date	April 5 – April 12, 2014
Location	Bunkeville, Nevada, U.S.
Caused by	BLM seizure of over 300 head of cattle believed to be endangering the desert tortoise Grazing rights
Goals	Cliven Bundy and many private militias attempt to reclaim Bundy's land and cattle
Resulted in	The Bureau of Land Management ends roundup of Bundy's cattle, returns cattle to Cliven Bundy, and withdraws from the area
Parties
BLM Over 200 agents Bundy family In- and out-of-state private militias and protesters
Lead figures
Unknown Cliven Bundy
Approximate location of Bunkerville Location within Nevada

The Bundy standoff was a standoff between the United States Bureau of Land Management and cattle farmer Cliven Bundy on his ranch. The standoff originated when the BLM accused Bundy of failing to pay federal grazing fees since 1993.

Background

Cliven Bundy has been locked in legal battles with the United States Bureau of Land Management since 1993 over his grazing cattle on federal land without paying fees for doing so. Bundy has admitted that he has refused to pay the fees, but justified it as his ancestors had owned the land long before the establishment of the BLM. The BLM claims that the illegal grazing of his cows is further endangering the desert tortoise. The Bundy family gave up rights to the land in the 19th Century to the federal government. The Bundy's do not currently hold deed or title to the land in question. The Bundy's have illegally grazed their cattle on the land for decades while paying no fees to BLM. While the BLM used questionable tactics in the standoff, most observers see the dispute as simply one of property ownership and rights. Bundy is the trespasser, and is responsible for past fees, liable for damages, and must negotiate grazing and fees with the agency going forward.

Alleged excessive force

Many have claimed that the BLM has used excessive force.

Tasering of Ammon Bundy

Ammon Bundy, son of Cliven, was tasered by BLM agents to the point where his shirt was stained with his blood.

'First Amendment areas'

The BLM set up designated unconstitutional 'First Amendment areas,' which was the only place where protesters were allowed to exercise their First Amendment rights.

Snipers

Bundy's wife, Carol, alleged that BLM agents armed with sniper rifles are scattered around the ranch. There has been no independent verification of her claim.

BLM retreat

On the morning of April 12, the BLM announced that it would cease the mass roundup of Bundy's cattle, citing safety reasons.

Public reaction

Many political commentators, such as Sean Hannity have compared this situation to the Siege of Waco. Cliven has threatened 'range war' against the BLM, and many have referenced that in comparing the Bundy standoff to Waco. Though many Nevadans, including governor Brian Sandoval, took sides with Cliven Bundy and his stance against the Bureau of Land Management, others have opposed his actions. Cliven stated in an interview with Hannity that he sees himself as a martyr for the First Amendment and American freedom. Many of those who opposed Cliven's actions believe he is a lawbreaker and trespasser on public lands.

Sean Hannity also called out the BLM for their methods of taking the cattle back, which include, but are not limited to:

• Positioning trained snipers on the surrounding hills
• Military-grade weaponry
• The teasering of Ammon Bundy (see above)
• Assault of a pregnant protester

Conspiracy theory

Some conspiracy theorists believe that the United States Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) of Nevada is directly responsible for the conflict to assist a Chinese company. Reid is believed to have asked a senior executive at the BLM, who was a top donor of his, to seize the land so the Chinese company could build solar panels on the land. No major United States news outlets have reported on this theory.