In January of last year, millions of people watched the events unfold as a number of individuals, described by the media as militants, proceeded to seize the headquarters of a National Wildlife Refuge building in Oregon. Following that decision, a 41+ day standoff with authorities took place and it ended-up with many of the occupants finally surrendering, many of them eventually being detained, and one individual (Robert 'LaVoy' Finicum) was shot to death.
At least 19 different individuals have been charged over the incident and they all received a number of charges, among them were things like: Conspiracy to commit an offense against the USA, interstate travel in aid of extortion, obstruction of the due administration of justice, assault on a federal law enforcement officer, and more. If found guilty, they could receive a sentence totaling any decades behind bars.
The 1st Trial
After the first trial took place over the incident, it was found that all 7 of those defendants (including Ammon Bundh) were not guilty for the charges of allegedly conspiring to impede federal officers from doing their job, and for possession of firearms in a federal facility. That trial lasted for 6 weeks and the jury deliberated for less than 6 hours. Five of the defendants have been released, but Ammon and Ryan Bundy weren't as they still face trial over charges related to the 2014 standoff in Nevada.
During this trial, a number of Ammon Bundy supporters spent quite a few days outside the courthouse in a show of support and solidarity. A number of them also tried to encourage the public and any possible jurors etc, about the option/power available to them in being able to exercise their right to acquit via methods of jury nullification.
The 2nd Trial
The second trial is going to begin soon and it's alleged that the U.S. District Court Judge Anna Brown wants to keep the juror identities under wraps so as to prevent any possible tampering or influence. The remaining defendants Duane Ehmer, Dylan Anderson, Darryl Thorn, Jake Ryan, Jason Patrick, Sean Anderson, and Sandy Anderson, are all expected to begin trial on February 14th of this year.
For Ammon, Ryan, and Cliven Bundy, along with many others, their trial is set to begin in February of this year as well over the previous 2014 Nevada standoff. In that event which occurred about 80 miles northeast, no shots were fired and no individual was hurt.
To try and prevent any tampering with the jury, it's alleged that jurors involved in this trial are not going to be using the main entrance to the courthouse when they are coming or exiting the proceedings. Therefore supporters will have a difficult time if they are trying to educate them on jury nullification. The court officials have already mailed at least 1,000 jury summonses out to the public.
Pics:
KOIN 6 News
free range report
Conrad Wilson/OPB
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupation_of_the_Malheur_National_Wildlife_Refuge
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bundy_standoff#Criminal_charges_against_standoff_participants
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/10/27/499668126/defendants-in-oregon-wildlife-refuge-occupation-found-not-guilty
http://www.opb.org/news/series/burns-oregon-standoff-bundy-militia-news-updates/trial-jury-anonymous/
http://www.opb.org/news/series/burns-oregon-standoff-bundy-militia-news-updates/refuge-trial-verdict-impact-protests-future/?t=928086#.WBL8KM1MSJA.twitter
http://www.oregonlive.com/oregon-standoff/2016/01/bundys_in_custody_one_militant.html
http://www.oregonlive.com/oregon-standoff/2016/12/nevada_trial_set_for_ammon_bun.html