A GOP state legislator helped plan an armed occupation in Oregon, investigators say, calling it ‘domestic terrorism’
On Jan. 2, 2016, in a remote stretch of southeastern Oregon, a cadre of anti-government militiamen carrying pistols and long guns stationed themselves at the headquarters of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, a federally owned park. Their armed occupation ended 41 days later with one protester shot dead by police and more than two dozen others facing federal charges.
Now, investigators commissioned by the Washington State House of Representatives say the anti-government occupiers had a high-profile accomplice: a Republican state legislator known for his extremist views.
An official report released late Thursday found that Washington state Rep. Matt Shea (R) had “participated in an act of domestic terrorism.”
Shea, whose ties to the Patriot movement and anti-government militias were explored “Bundyville: The Remnant,” once introduced legislation to cut Washington state in half to establish a “Liberty State” in deep-red eastern Washington where citizens would have unfettered access to guns, and church and state would walk hand-in-hand. The new report found that he had close relationships with members of armed militias and used them to intimidate opponents. [Continue reading…]