Ammon Bundy, the leader of the armed protesters occupying the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge since Jan. 2 in order to dispute federal land policies, was arrested during a traffic stop on Tuesday, according to CNN. Additionally, authorities arrested a group of his followers that were involved in the protest - two shots were fired during the ordeal that led to the wounding of Ryan Bundy and the death of one of the armed ranchers who was reportedly the target of a federal probable cause arrest, according to the Daily Mail, although it is not yet clear who fired shot first.
Along with Ammon Bundy, three others involved in the protest - Ryan Payne, Brian Cavalier and Shawna Cox - were detained and are being charged with conspiracy to impede federal officers, according to Oregon Live.
Bundy is the son of Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy and began the protest due to the sentencing of ranchers Dwight Hammond and his son Steven, who were convicted of committing arson on federal lands in Oregon. The Hammonds claim that they conducted the arsons, which took place between 2001 and 2006, in order to decrease invasive plant growth and shield their property from wildfires. However, the march protesting their sentencing led to the armed occupation of the refuge that ended in its violent conclusion on Tuesday.
"The residents of Harney County have been overlooked and underserved by federal officials' response thus far," said Kate Brown, Oregon's governor. "This spectacle of lawlessness must end. And until Harney County is free of it I will not stop insisting that federal officials enforce the law."
