BURNS, OR (KPTV) – While the final four people occupying a rural Oregon wildlife refuge were surrendering Thursday morning, seven additional people in six states were arrested for their role in the standoff that lasted 41 days.
The seven suspects were scheduled to appear in federal court in their states Thursday and Friday, according to the Department of Justice.
They were identified as Blaine Cooper, 36, of Humboldt, Arizona; Wesley Kjar, 32, of Utah; Corey Lequieu, 44, of Fallon, Nevada; Neil Wampler, 68, of Los Osos, California; Jason Blomgren, 41, of Murphy, North Carolina; Darryl Thorn, 31, of Marysville, Washington; Eric Flores, 22, of Tuallip, Washington.
Each suspect is charged with one felony count of conspiracy to impede officers of the United States from discharging their official duties through the use of force, intimidation or threats. That is the same charge the suspects previously arrested in connection to the occupation are facing.
Earlier this month, 16 people were indicted, including group leader Ammon Bundy.
The Department of Justice said Thursday that two additional defendants remain on the loose. Their names were not released.
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