Harney sheriff requests other deputies help patrol county

The Harney County Sheriff’s Office announced late Monday it has requested the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association to assist in daily and enhanced patrol duties due to the ongoing takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

Sheriff David Ward said residents could expect to see patrol vehicles from other counties in the community in coming days.

“The safety of the residents of Harney County is my top concern,” he said. “Residents should be aware of partner sheriff’s offices assisting with our public safety mission.”

Deschutes County Sheriff Shane Nelson told NewsChannel 21 two deputies from the county will be part of that effort.

In a message posted on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkWRALTXBr8 Ward said, “”These folks aren’t here to harass the good citizens of Harney County,” Ward said in a YouTube message. “They’re here to help us maintain a safe and secure environment while we work through the issues at hand.”

Here’s the full statement Ward gave gave during a 3 p.m. news conference:

“Good afternoon. My name is David Ward, and I am the Sheriff of Harney County.

The Hammonds have turned themselves in today at 1:37 p.m., in accordance with the law, and are currently in custody at Federal Correctional Institution in California.

Harney County is a community of approximately 7,000 people; almost 5,000 of us live here in the community of Burns and Hines.

This event has had a significant impact on that community.

Our goal is to work together to restore calm and regular services for the people we serve.

This incident originally started when people from outside the state arrived in an attempt to prevent the Hammonds from returning to prison. This began as a peaceful protest.

It took an unfortunate turn when some of those people broke off and began an armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

The Harney County Commissioners and I have requested law enforcement assistance from Oregon State Sheriff’s Association and Oregon State Police.

Sheriff’s Offices from around the state have also sent resources to assist us.

We requested this additional support to make sure the citizens of Harney County are safe. This is our top priority.

I want to directly address the people at the wildlife refuge: You said you were here to help the citizens of Harney County. That help ended when a peaceful protest became an armed and unlawful protest.

The Hammonds have turned themselves in. It is time for you to leave our community. Go home, be with your own families and end this peacefully.”

—

The FBI said Sunday night it is “working with the Harney County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police and other local and state law enforcement agencies to bring a peaceful resolution to the situation at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.”

Here’s the rest of the agency’s statement:

“The FBI is the lead investigative agency for the situation at the refuge.

“Due to safety considerations for both those inside the refuge as well as the law enforcement officers involved, we will not be releasing any specifics with regards to the law enforcement response.”

Meanwhile, the Harney County sheriff said Sunday that the militia members who have seized the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge headquarters claim to be supporting local ranchers but have “alternative motives” to overthrow the local and federal government.

Here’s the full text of the statement issued by Harney County Sheriff David Ward:

“On January 2, 2015 in Harney County, Oregon a group of men and women seized the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters located in Harney County, Oregon. The refuge headquarters was empty at the time of the seizure due to it being the weekend.

“These men came to Harney County claiming to be part of militia groups supporting local ranchers, when in reality these men had alternative motives to attempt to over throw the county and federal government in hopes to spark a movement across the United States.

“We are currently working jointly with several organizations to make sure the citizens of Harney County are safe and this issue is resolved as quickly and peaceful as possible. At this time we do not have any information that any other areas in Harney County are in immediate danger.

“We ask that people stay away from the refuge for their safety. We also ask that if anyone sees any of these individuals in the area to please contact law enforcement and do not confront the individuals themselves.

“We are currently working to establish 1-800 phone lines for people to call if they have questions. More information will be provided as it is available.

David M. Ward, Sheriff”

The sheriff’s statement came the day after Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy — whose three sons are leading the refuge headquarters takeover — released a letter he’d written to Ward and to Dwight and Steve Hammond, urging the sheriff to take the pair into “protective custody.”

Here’s that full statement:

“With great concern and love and much consideration from prayer, I come to you Harney County Sheriff of Oregon David M. Ward, rancher Steven Dwight Hammond, and rancher Dwight Lincoln Hammond, Jr.,

“I, Cliven D. Bundy, have been involved for several weeks in the background striving to understand and comprehend your dilemmas in Harney County, Oregon. I understand that the grass that was burnt on each side of the fence was grazing rights that had been created through beneficial use, one side of the fence being private property and the other side of the fence being private property rights. The fires that were set were for a good purpose and had good results.

“The United States Justice Department has NO jurisdiction or authority within the State of Oregon, County of Harney over this type of ranch management. These lands are not under U.S. treaties or commerce, they are not article 4 territories, and Congress does not have unlimited power. These lands have been admitted into statehood and are part of the great State of Oregon and the citizens of Harney County enjoy the fullness of the protections of the U.S. Constitution. The U.S. Constitution limits United States government.

“It is my suggestion, Steven Hammond, that you go and check yourself into Harney County jail asking for protective custody. It is my suggestion, Dwight Hammond, that you go and check yourself into Harney County jail asking for protective custody. It is my suggestion, Harney County Sheriff David Ward, accept these two ranchers into your jail, notify the United States Solicitor in Washington DC that you have these two ranchers in Harney County jail, that they will remain there indefinitely under your protective custody and the protection of We the People of Harney County and We the People of the United States of America.

“I suggest an Evidentiary Hearing or a Grand Jury be formed by We the People.

“I feel that this action is immediately important, that it should be taken place before 10:00 am Saturday, January 2, 2016. I will hold these suggestions private until that time then I will release this letter to those having state and county jurisdiction and to the media.

“Cliven D. Bundy”

To read more of the Bundys’ views on the Hammond case, visit their blog at: http://bundyranch.blogspot.com/