The standoff between rancher Cliven Bundy and the Bureau of Land Management reached its climax today as armed protestors faced off with police at the site where Bundy’s cattle were being held, just outside Bunkerville, Nev. After a few tense hours and a final faceoff between police and the gathered crowd, police announced Bundy’s cattle would be released if protestors would clear the area.
“Today’s victory shows the people completely have the power to govern themselves,” said Ammon Bundy.
At about 4:05 p.m. Utah time, the cattle were released.
Protestors await the release of Cliven Bundy’s cattle.
Below is a timeline of today’s events as the standoff unfolded.
10:25 a.m. Utah time: Bureau of Land Management Director Neil Kornze releases a statement announcing the gathering of Cliven Bundy’s cattle will cease due to concerns over the safety of the public and BLM and National Park Service employees. He asks all parties in the area to remain peaceful and law-abiding as the BLM and NPS work to end the operation.
Around 11 a.m. Utah time: Cliven Bundy arrives where his supporters are gathered, including armed militia members. Militia stand guard in front of the platform where Bundy is standing and speaking. Bundy makes several demands and gives law enforcement an hour to comply.
Around noon Utah time: Cliven Bundy asks his supporters to shut down I-15 and forcibly release his cattle. Supporters enter their vehicles to drive to the site where Bundy’s cattle are being held.
About 12:30 p.m. Utah time: Dozens of Las Vegas metro police are on the scene where cattle are being held.
About 12:45 p.m. Utah time: Negotiations break down between Bundy supporters and police. Police form a human blockade.
About 12:49 p.m. Utah time: Protestors march to release cattle and a standoff ensues across I-15.
About 1 p.m. Utah time: Protestors, some of them armed, begin to approach the police barricade. Protestors rally behind the United States flag.
About 1:20 p.m. Utah time: Police threaten to use force on approaching protestors.
About 1:25 p.m. Utah time: Protestors begin backing off from the barricade.
About 1:35 p.m. Utah time: BLM says they will release Bundy’s cattle if the protestors clear the area within 30 minutes.
About 1:40 p.m. Utah time: Protestors begin to retreat.
About 1:54 p.m. Utah time: Deputy Chief Tom Roberts, Las Vegas Metro, makes a deal with Ammon Bundy to release the cattle as soon as all civilians have cleared the wash.
About 4:05 p.m. Utah time: The gates are opened and Cliven Bundy’s cattle are finally released.
Photos by Alex Ellis, Josh Warburton & Michael Flynn
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