Supporters of jailed rancher Cliven Bundy and the Oregon wildlife refuge occupiers are planning rallies nationwide Saturday.
Conservative radio personality Cherilyn Eager has been acting as a spokeswoman for the Bundy family and for the family of Oregon protestor, LaVoyFinicum, who was killed in a confrontation with law enforcement five weeks ago.
“What happened at the Oregon refuge in January brought this, I think, to a larger awareness,” she says. People all over the country are concerned.”
The Utah rally will be at the State Capitol, where Finicum’s widow, Jeanette, is making her first public appearance, along with two of his daughters.
Lands-rights activists won’t just talk about the fallout from what they call Finicum’s “assassination.” Eager says they’re also beginning new efforts to push back against what they see as a federal government that’s out of control.
“Is there a federal authority? That’s what this is about,” she says. “We hope it will be the beginning of an educational time where people can come out and learn more.”
The rally is taking place days after federal agents made a dozen new arrests in connection with the armed standoff at the Bundy’s Nevada ranch two years ago.
Critics say those involved in the Oregon occupation and Bundy Ranch standoff are not victims but federal criminals who should be prosecuted.
