FBI officials tried to calm the anger in Oregon by
calling for a "peaceful resolution" to the standoff at a national
wildlife refuge that dragged on for a third day Monday.
Still, the bureau did not give any specifics about its
response in a statement Sunday, citing "safety considerations for both
those inside the refuge as well as the law enforcement officers involved."
Armed protesters, who police say are coming from outside
the area, took over the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge south of Burns on
Saturday after participating in a peaceful rally over the prison sentences of
local ranchers Dwight and Steven Hammond.
The Hammonds were convicted of arson three years ago for
fires that burned on federal land in 2001 and 2006. Though they served their
original sentences for the conviction -- Dwight serving three months, Steven
serving one year -- an appellate judge ruled in October that the terms were too
short under federal minimum sentencing laws.
Both men were ordered back to prison for four years each.
They have said they plan to turn themselves in Monday.
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