Dozens rally at NE Bend street corner to honor Finicum

Dozens of people gathered in Bend Saturday in memory of the man fatally shot by Oregon State Police toward the end of the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Burns, one of several such events held around the state and country.

About 70 people, many carrying American flags large and small, lined the streets by the busy intersection of Northeast Third Street and Greenwood Avenue for the “Stand By Me for Liberty” rally.

The protesters held signs and accused authorities of ambushing and murdering Robert LaVoy Finicum, a spokesman for the armed occupiers who took over the refuge for 41 days.

Demonstrators said they wanted to show their support for Finicum’s family and raise awareness on related issues.

“There’s a lot of rights being taken away from us,” said Keith Hart. “And LaVoy getting killed — that was a complete murder, in my opinion. I just think we we all need to stand up and fight for our lives.”

Like at many of the other events, there was a small group of about a half-dozen counter-protesters at one corner, standing against the refuge occupiers and in support of public lands.

Police were on hand to monitor the situation, though it remained peaceful.

Meanwhile, The Oregonian reported (http://is.gd/6Ah7dO ) about 50 people gathered for a downtown Portland rally that was one of the events planned in at least 35 states to remember Finicum, who was shot and killed on Jan. 26 as authorities moved to arrest him as a group of occupiers headed to a meeting in John Day.

Protesters gathered Saturday morning in front of the Portland federal courthouse. Some carried signs and others held American flags.

A small group of counter-protesters also formed and there was some chanting back and forth between the two groups.

Other gatherings were held at public parks and government buildings in Salem, Oregon and Olympia, Washington.