The FBI and law enforcement officials will hold a press conference regarding the Oregon Wildlife Refuge armed protest now stretching into its fourth week. It comes less than 12 hours after a shootout between police and protesters left one occupier dead. Correspondent Reid Binion reported Oregon protester Lavoy Finicum told NBC news that he would rather die than be arrested. On Tuesday night, Finicum was killed as authorities arrested protest leader Ammon Bundy and several members of the armed group occupying the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Officials say it started with a traffic stop and that Finicum and Bundy’s brother, Ryan, refused to surrender. The Bundy ranch claimed on Facebook that Finicum “had his hands up and was shot 3 times.” Officials haven’t commented much beyond saying it’s not clear who fired first. Ryan Bundy suffered minor injuries and Finicum died at the scene. He was one of the most outspoken members of the armed group that took over the refuge earlier this month to protest federal land policies. Tuesday’s incident ended with Ammon and Ryan Bundy, along with three followers, in federal custody on felony conspiracy charges. Three other activists were arrested separately.
