The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in a Thursday statement that they are “relieved” that the occupation at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon ended on Thursday after the four remaining members of the militia turned themselves in to federal authorities.
“We are relieved that the illegal occupation of Malheur NWR is over. While we are now able to look forward to a new beginning, there is still much that needs to be done so that the community and the larger public can be welcomed back to their refuge,” Jason Holm, an assistant regional director at the Fish and Wildlife Service said in a statement, according to Oregon Public Broadcasting reporter John Sepulvado.
Holm said that the Fish and Wildlife service will be available to help the FBI assess the crime scene and will repair any damages made to the refuge during the occupation.
statement from @USFWSPacific pic.twitter.com/wJ9CSYHzUh
— John Sepulvado (@JohnLGC) February 11, 2016