Community’s calls for Bundy group to leave get louder

On Day 11 of the occupation, LaVoy Finicum, one of the leaders of the armed group occupying the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge compound, announced they will host a community meeting in Burns on Friday at 7 p.m. where they plan to detail why they are there — and when they will be leaving.

It comes on the heels of another emotional community meeting Monday night, where the cries for the occupier to leave grew louder.

Harney County Sheriff Dave Ward asked the group again to leave the refuge but there are no signs that the group will be leaving anytime soon. They have even renamed the compound to “Harney County Resource Center”.

Many residents are not happy about it.

“Get the group gone from the refuge,” one Harney County resident said during the meeting.

The issue continues to divide the community.

“I see this community more divided than I’ve ever seen it before — and we’re better than that,” said another resident.

The conflict is breaking up friendships all across town.

“I know that there are people I go to church with, they don’t speak to us any more,” a resident said.

Even those who support the Bundys’ message want them now to leave.

“I thanked them for what they were doing,” one resident said. “I did tell him that I want them to go home.”

As opposition against the armed occupation keeps building, many wonder when law enforcement will step in.

“There is an hourglass, and the fact is that time is running out,” Ward said.

There is still no word on the FBI’s plan or investigation. Instead, Harney County Judge Steve Grasty said the only ones escalating the situation are the armed occupiers.

“Rumor has it that law enforcement is going to go up there guns a-blazin,'” Grasty told the audience. “I’m absolutely convinced that will never happen.”

In the middle of the meeting, conservative online radio host Pete Santilli from Ohio was thrown out for interrupting the sheriff numerous times. He was escorted out by sheriff deputies during applause from the crowd.

For the small community of Harney County, it’s long road to get things back to normal.

“I shouldn’t have to be scared,” said 15-year old Ashley, in tears. “None of us in Harney County should have to be scared in our own hometown.”

She received a standing ovation, as the armed occupation continues.