BLM closes public lands

The BLM temporarily closes off 322,000 acres of public land in preparation to collect Bundy’s cattle. In response, Bundy files a notice with the county sheriff titled “Range War Emergency Notice and Demand for Protection.” He claims to have an “army” of supporters from around the country ready to protect him. The local sheriff, Doug Gillespie, could stop the roundup if he wanted to, Bundy says. Fellow rancher Cliff Gardner says:

I think Cliven is taking a stand not only for family ranchers, but also for every freedom-loving American, for everyone. I’ve been trying to resolve these same types of issues since 1984. Perhaps it’s difficult for the average American to understand, but protecting the individual was a underlying factor of our government. … My support is that I am determined to stand by the Bundy family in any fashion it takes regardless of the threat of life or limb.