User:NiklawskiMSTM/sandbox/Bundy standoff

The Bundy standoff was a standoff between the United States Bureau of Land Management and cattle farmer Cliven Bundy on his ranch. The standoff originated when the BLM accused Bundy of failing to pay federal taxes since 1993.

Background
Cliven Bundy has been locked in legal battles with the United States Bureau of Land Mangement since 1993 over unpaid taxes. Bundy has admitted that he has refused to pay his taxes, but justified it as his ancestors had owned the land long before the establishment of the BLM. The BLM claims that it is federal land and that the illegal grazing of his cows is further endangering the desert tortoise. Many believe that the standoff did not start because the BLM was attempting to collect lost dues, but rather because the BLM wanted Bundy's land. That is due to the belief that the desert tortoise is actually overpopulated and the government is executing the tortoises to keep the population down.

Some conspiracy theorists believe that the United States Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) of Nevada is directly responsible for the conflict to assist a Chinese company. Reid is believed to have asked a senior executive at the BLM, who was a top donor of his, to seize the land so the Chinese company could build solar panels on the land. No major United States news outlets have reported this, though it may or may not be true as past conspiracy theories have been true.

Alleged excessive force
Many have claimed that the BLM has used excessive force.

Tasering of Ammon Bundy
Ammon Bundy, son of Cliven, was tasered by BLM agents to the point where his shirt was stained with his blood.

'First Amendment areas'
The BLM set up designated unconstitutional 'First Amendment areas,' which was the only place where protesters were allowed to exercise their First Amendment rights.

Snipers
Bundy's wife, Carol, alleged that BLM agents armed with sniper rifles are scattered around the ranch. There has been no independent verification of her claim.

BLM retreat
On the morning of April 12, the BLM announced that it would cease the mass roundup of Bundy's cattle, citing safety reasons.

Public reaction
Many political commentators, such as Sean Hannity have compared this situation to the Siege of Waco. Cliven has threatened 'range war' against the BLM, and many have referenced that in comparing the Bundy standoff to Waco. Though many Nevadans, including governor Brian Sandoval, took sides with Cliven Bundy and his stance against the Bureau of Land Management, others have opposed his actions. Cliven stated in an interview with Hannity that he sees himself as a martyr for the First Amendment and American freedom. Many of those who opposed Cliven's actions believe he is a lawbreaker and trespasser on public lands.

Sean Hannity also called out the BLM for their methods of taking the cattle back, which include, but are not limited to:
 * Positioning trained snipers on the surrounding hills
 * Military-grade weaponry
 * The teasering of Ammon Bundy (see above)
 * Assault of a pregnant protester