Oregon occupier’s funeral draws hundreds
Rancher was killed in confrontation over refuge protest.
Sympathizers of the Oregon armed standoff rolled into this desert town Friday, some in pickup trucks flying American flags, to mourn an Arizona rancher and occupation spokesman who was killed last week in a confrontation with authorities.
Hundreds of people from across the country packed a Mormon church for the funeral of Robert “LaVoy” Finicum. Of the trucks filling the parking lot, one had a flier with a picture of Finicum and the words, “Murdered by the FBI,” while another was scrawled with one of the rancher’s favorite sayings: “By dang, I’m mad.”
Finicum’s death has become a symbol for those decrying federal oversight, on public lands in the West and elsewhere, and has led to protests of what they call an unnecessary use of force by the FBI and Oregon State Police.
But authorities say the 54-year-old was reaching for a gun during a confrontation on a remote road.
The FBI released video of the Jan. 26 shooting during a traffic stop that showed Finicum’s hand reaching into his jacket, but supporters dispute he was going for a weapon.
“He’s a hero to me, honest. His heart is for everybody,” said former occupier Ben Matthews of Port Huron, Mich., who came to Kanab to pay his respects.
Finicum’s daughter Thara Tenney and brother Guy Finicum stood outside the church before the funeral. She said she wasn’t sure what lies ahead.
“I know he was where he needed to be,” Tenney said. “He was doing what he needed to do. Knowing he was a God-fearing man, and his heart was where it needed to be, I feel peace.”
Guy Finicum recalled the rancher as full of life.
“Bravest person I ever knew,” he said.
Sheriff ’s officials and the Utah Highway Patrol were on hand to ensure the events were peaceful. Given the anti-government sentiment expected among the crowd, local law enforcement agencies pleaded with the FBI and other federal agents to stay away.
The ceremonies came as four people continued to occupy the federal property in southeastern Oregon.
Most of the compound emptied out after the traffic stop that led to Finicum’s death and the arrest of the group’s most prominent figures.
The holdouts want assurances they won’t be arrested if they leave. That’s unlikely after they were indicted this week.