Walden to occupiers: ‘Go home before anyone else gets hurt’

Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., said Wednesday that hopes of a peaceful end to the Malheur Refuge occupation were “shattered” Tuesday night and urged the people remaining there to leave “before anyone else gets hurt.”

Walden issued the following statement on the situation in Harney County:

“I’ve been in close contact with local and federal officials throughout this long standoff, and we had all hoped for a peaceful conclusion to the situation in Harney County. Sadly, our hopes were shattered with the shooting that occurred during last night ‘s arrest.

“While we wait to learn more details and next steps, we must keep the people of Harney County in our hearts as they are a strong community and have endured a great deal.

“Once again, I urge those who remain at the refuge to go home before anyone else gets hurt.

“And when this is done and the cameras’ glare turns away from rural Oregon, the healing process will be a long one. Widespread frustration will continue until people in rural American feel like they are being heard and meaningful changes are made to federal land management policy.”

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Gov. Kate Brown offered more comments Wednesday “following law enforcement developments in the Harney County occupation.”

“As the federal investigation continues in Harney County, I want to acknowledge the forbearance of residents, including members of the Burns-Paiute Tribe, who have been subjected to significant disruption throughout this ordeal,” Brown said.

“I hear your concerns about safety and potential damage to tribal lands and artifacts, and over the course of the occupation, I have repeatedly conveyed them to our highest levels of government.

“Please know I am doing everything in my power to restore normal life to Harney County. My office will continue collaborating with law enforcement partners to resolve the situation quickly and safely and hold wrongdoers accountable.”

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Statement Wednesday by Harney County Judge Steve Grasty:

“I am relieved that action has been taken to end this occupation, however, I am saddened by the loss of life. I hope and pray that those who remain at the Refuge will depart peacefully. Nobody wants any more bloodshed.

“It’s time to end this chapter in the life of Harney County and let us heal as a county, as friends and as neighbors. Harney County is a beautiful place and we have beautiful people. I know this community will pull together and be stronger than ever because we are a community that takes care of each other.

“Going forward, we must address the underlying angst and frustration with federal actions that has brought us to where we are today. We must not hide our heads in the sand to federal land management issues and the inequitable resentencing of Dwight and Steve Hammond.

“When it comes to federal land management, Harney County is leading the way with a number of collaborative projects where we have brought together farmers, ranchers, local, state and federal government, the environmental community and other stakeholders to solve issues together. This approach works. But throughout the western United States, and even in Harney County, we still have a long way to go when it comes to being true partners with the federal government in the management of public lands in our communities. I will be working hard to make sure these issues are addressed.

“I want to close with one last admonition to the occupiers that remain on the Refuge. We don’t need you to speak for us. Please, leave peacefully. Go home to your families.”

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Sen. Ron Wyden also issued a statement Wednesday:

“My overriding priority is that the remaining militants will leave the refuge peacefully and in short order. Oregonians expect their safety and the rule of law to be preserved, so I commend the FBI for moving to arrest the leaders of this illegal occupation. It is deeply unfortunate that these militants’ actions have resulted in violence. There was an immediate threat that the occupation in Harney County would spread to nearby communities as outsiders sought to use Eastern Oregon to advance their extremist agenda.

“I have spoken with community leaders in Harney County repeatedly. They are going to keep working to bring this sad episode to a prompt end. The community, law-enforcement and local officials deserve tremendous credit for their resilience and determination in the face of this crisis.,” Wyden said.

Tuesday night, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, Sen. Jeff Merkley and Harney County Judge Steve Grasty were among the first to offer reaction to Tuesday’s dramatic, deadly developments in the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge takeover. Here are their statements, also in full:

First, the statement from Governor Brown “in response to tonight’s action by federal and state law enforcement to bring into custody unlawful occupiers of the Malheur Wildlife Refuge:”

“The situation in Harney County continues to be the subject of a federal investigation that is in progress. My highest priority is the safety of all Oregonians and their communities. I ask for patience as officials continue pursuit of a swift and peaceful resolution.”

Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after law enforcement officials arrested militant leaders.

“I am pleased that the FBI has listened to the concerns of the local community and responded to the illegal activity occurring in Harney County by outside extremists. The leaders of this group are now in custody and I hope that the remaining individuals occupying the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge will peacefully surrender so this community can begin to heal the deep wounds that this illegal activity has created over the last month.

“The locally elected leaders and state, local, and federal law enforcement are to be commended for their close coordination in working to address this crisis.”

Statement by Harney County Judge Steve Grasty on law enforcement action:

“I am relieved this situation is coming to an end, however, I am saddened by the loss of life. I hope and pray that those who remain at the Refuge will stand down peacefully.”