Posted on 03/07/2017 5:22:54 AM PST by Spiridon
Bruce "B.J." Soper, a founding member of the Pacific Patriots Network, testified Monday that he heard Ammon Bundy propose taking over the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in a hard stand during a brief meeting in a Burns home on Dec. 29, 2015.
But in contrast to refuge occupier Blaine Cooper's testimony for the government, Soper said no logistics were discussed. He said Jason Patrick, Jon Ritzheimer, Ryan Payne and others were present but they never talked about how Bundy planned to accomplish the takeover. There was no discussion about refuge employees and no final decision was made during the 10 to 15 minute meeting.
During cross-examination, Soper acknowledged he opposed the refuge occupation, He had helped plan the Jan. 2, 2016 rally in Burns to support Harney County ranchers Dwight Hammond Jr. and Steven Hammond, who were set to return to federal prison to serve out five year sentences for setting fire to public land.
Proseutors read Facebook messages Soper had posted after the Burns rally, criticizing Bundy's seizure of the refuge. In one, Soper accused Bundy and supporters of taking advantage of Harney County and hijacking "what turned out to be a great and peaceful action," referring to the rally and march in Burns.
Soper, as well as Cooper's father, Stanley Hicks Sr. who followed on the witness stand, were among the last defense witnesses called Monday in the second Oregon standoff trial for four defendants, Jason Patrick, Duane Ehmer, Jake Ryan snd Darryl Thorn.....
Hicks said his son never suffered any abuse at his hands as Cooper had told jurors late last month. Hicks said he had been in contact with his son until the fall of 2015.
"He's prone to lie when it serves his purpose," Hicks said...
The defense is expected to wrap up Tuesday morning....
(Excerpt) Read more at oregonlive.com ...
For Nextrush comments on the trial, go his "Nextrush Free" blog.
Well thank you for posting the story, there are many of us here on FR that think it is important and we have been following it.
...and it might be helpful to know just why Nextrush is again suspended.
The blog posts on the trial this week are at this link and new posts will be added as the week goes on.
http://nextrushfree.blogspot.com/2017/03/oregon-standoff-trial-updates-tuesday.html
My understanding is that this happened after a story was posted Saturday AM regarding the trial in Nevada of six men accused in the Bunkerville-Bundy Ranch Standoff in 2014.
Posting this as “Front Page News” was considered unacceptable.
Thanks, been trying to keep up with this.
Really? WTH?
Many of this are trying to follow this story. I’m getting the impression that FR wants nothing to do with this injustice.
And how would you know that if you weren't a sock-puppet account of "NextRush"?
You're busted, Chief.
You know.. it sure looks like you are a scumsucking sock-puppet blogpimp account what needs to be Zotted.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.