That's why they caved.
Tactically, the Bundys and their supporters surprised the Federal Officers. They did not expect the protestors, particularly all of those well armed militia protestors, to come to them.
When they did, the protestors did some very key things, and were probably doing so as a result of their militia support,, many of who are former military.
Notice on the highway that the supporters placed fire support on the bridge with over watch positions on the Federal holding pen.
This was on the interstate highway. And there were several such shooters up there.
Notice how almost all of the Federal armed officers, who were also heavily armed, were behind several BLM SUVs near the gate:
That position was being flanked on both sides by armed protestors, was being approached directly by a large group of armed protestors to their front.
The position of the federal officers was untenable. They had their own binoculars and they knew what was happening. I also believe most of them did not want to be involved with a fire fight with American citizens over a bunch of cattle and tortoises.
What prevented a slaughter was the commitment and determination of the Bundys and their supporters, and the fact that they were as well armed as the Federal officers and significantly more numerous.
As with almost all situations, being strongly and well armed is a tactic that prevents violence...as it did in this case.
Which is why The Won is doing everything he can to ensure that this country, as a nation, is neither strong nor well-armed.
In your top photo, is the guy in the black t-shirt with his back to the camera that execrable Dan Love fellow?
“...I also believe most of them did not want to be involved with a fire fight with American citizens over a bunch of cattle and tortoises.....”
Yeah...that and not living long enough to get to spend their big government TSP and retirement plans. These tyrants and their relatives have to live among us and need to keep that in mind should they decide to fire upon the American citizenry. They need to start thinking about what’s right and not “just following orders”.
BTTT
Was the guy with the AK on the overpass right above the feds?
I’ve noticed an attitude among LEOs that “civilians” (that’s us) are ignorant savages with no knowledge of military tactics.
I believe this episode shows that there is little truth to that opinion. Many, if not most men nowadays have some sort of military experience and know they should occupy commanding positions when facing an enemy. The BLM had snipers in positions to cover the protestors but at the same time, the protestors had taken positions to oversee those snipers. Checkmate! With their tactical shooters no longer tactical and with the main body trapped in the bottom of that wash by forces on three sides, the BLM had no choice but to retreat.
Well, as is often said in other situations, the most important thing is the officers got home safe at night in time for dinner...