A number of reporters covering the stand off at the Malheur Wildlife refuge near Burns, Oregon, have tweeted that they had been told by the FBI that authorities will offer them no protection, a sign reporters are taking that they need to leave the area.
Leaving refuge. @FBI warns media no protection #ORstandoff @KTVZ pic.twitter.com/ojWTEUgB4V
— Lauren Martinez (@LaurenKTVZ) January 27, 2016
.@OPB has left the compound entrance, along with @KGW, @KOINNews @fox12oregon and several journalists. We determined it’s not safe.
— John Sepulvado (@JohnLGC) January 27, 2016
Reporters have also observed increased security around the refuge.
There are several armored vehicles and what appears to be a Blackhawk-like helicopter outside that Burns airport. #OregonStandoff
— Kelly House (@Kelly_M_House) January 27, 2016
FBI and Oregon State Police have initiated a containment of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.
— Wendy Spickerman (@wspickerman) January 27, 2016
Attempts to Travel Into the Refuge will be stopped, identified and asked leave. Non-compliant people will be subject to arrest. @FBI #Oregon
— Wendy Spickerman (@wspickerman) January 27, 2016
Leaving the Refuge Anyone coming out of the refuge will have his or her identification confirmed and any associated vehicles searched.
— Wendy Spickerman (@wspickerman) January 27, 2016
The only people allowed to pass into the checkpoints will be Harney County ranchers who own property in those specific areas.
— Wendy Spickerman (@wspickerman) January 27, 2016
The militia remaining inside the refuge took note of the media’s departure.
“Some media are leaving the area after having been warned off by the FBI. WKTVZ has posted that the FBI told them that they will be provided no protection,” the Facebook page launched by militia leader Ammon Bundy to monitor the events from within the refuge posted. “This is a bad sign. If the FBI is trying to get the media to leave, they must not want footage of what is going to happen.”
