Robert "LaVoy" Finicum. Still image from The Oregonian / YouTube
The armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon has claimed the life of one person. According to news reports, Robert "LaVoy" Finicum was killed in a shootout near the facility. The 55-year-old had been the primary spokesperson of the takeover since it started on January 2. The Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested Ammon Bundy, the leader of the occupation, and at least seven other people, according to news reports. Bundy's brother, Ryan, is among those in custody. Authorities have since set up roadblocks around the refuge, The Oregonian and Oregon Public Broadcasting reported. Some people -- including women and children -- remain inside, according to the reports. The escalation came after the Burns Paiute Tribe asked the Department of Justice to put an end to the takeover. The tribe is worried about damaged artifacts and sacred sites at the refuge. The land in and around the refuge was originally promised to the Northern Paiute people by a treaty that was never ratified. The tribe is now based on a small reservation near Burns, about 30 miles from the refuge, after the federal government took all 1.78 million acres. Get the Story:
Burns Paiute Tribe Responds to Oregon Militia Video (Indian Country Today 1/26)
Oregon standoff spokesman Robert 'LaVoy' Finicum killed, Bundys in custody after shooting near Burns (The Oregonian 1/26)
Robert 'LaVoy' Finicum, killed in Oregon shooting, was Arizona foster parent and rancher (The Oregonian 1/26)
FBI Surrounds Militants Still Inside Refuge After 1 Dead, 8 Arrested (Oregon Public Broadcasting 1/26)
Deceased Militant LaVoy Finicum: Rancher, Patriarch, Bundy Believer (Oregon Public Broadcasting 1/27)
FBI tells Oregon refuge occupiers to leave as authorities set up roadblocks (The Oregonian 1/27)
Ammon Bundy and 7 Others Held in Oregon; LaVoy Finicum Is Reported Dead (The New York Times 1/27)
Authorities seal off Oregon refuge after leaders of occupation arrested. 1 killed in gunfire. (The Washington Post 1/27)
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