In late March, Bundy sent letters entitled "Range War Emergency Notice and Demand for Protection" to county, state, and federal officials.[63] In media interviews, Bundy used the language of the sovereign citizen movement as a rallying call, beckoning support from members of the Oath Keepers, the White Mountain Militia, and the Praetorian Guard.[64]
At a March 27 of the Bunkerville Town Advisory Board, Cliven Bundy's son Ryan Bundy discussed state sovereignty and land ownership issues: "This is an issue of state sovereignty ... These large tracts of land that Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, monuments, parks and, you know, National Parks, et cetera, et cetera, there is no constitutionality to them at all."[65][66][67] He also described his family's stance:
"If they are going to be out in the hills stealing our property, we will put measures of defense. And they have always asked us, 'What will you do, what will you do?' and our stance has always been we will do whatever it takes. Open-ended. And because of that, that's why they are scared, because they don't know to what level we will go to protect, but we will protect."[65][67]
In early April, armed individuals and private militia members from across the United States joined peaceful protesters against the trespass cattle roundup in what has become known punningly as the Battle of Bunkerville (evoking an association with the Battle of Bunker Hill).[25][68] BLM enforcement agents were dispatched in response to what were seen as threatening statements by Bundy, such as calling the events a "range war".[69] There was no armed battle.
With many roads closed to ensure safety during the cattle removal, designated First Amendment zones where protesters could safely congregate or exercise their First Amendment right to peaceably assemble were marked with signs and orange plastic fences adjacent to the road.[70][71] On April 8, 2014, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval issued a statement calling for the removal of the First Amendment restrictions he described as offensive.[72] After stating that peaceful protests had crossed into illegal activity, the federal agencies allowed protesters to go anywhere on the public land as long as they were peaceful.[73]
April 10 confrontations and protests[edit]
On April 10, protesters blocked a BLM truck driven by a civilian employee and demanded to know why a backhoe and dumptruck were being used in the operation.[25] The BLM's director in Nevada later said that the equipment was being used for field restoration.[25] According to a statement from the BLM, the blocked truck "was struck by a protester on an ATV."[25] Bundy's sister was pushed to the ground by a law enforcement officer.[74] One protestor struck a truck and blocked it with his all-terrain vehicle. Officers protecting the civilian truck driver had Tasers and police dogs. The protesters angrily confronted the rangers. According to CNN, "Federal officials say a police dog was kicked and officers were assaulted. Bundy family members say they were thrown to the ground or jolted with a Taser."[25]
April 12 confrontations and suspension of roundup[edit]
On the morning of April 12, an armed crowd rallied under a banner that read "Liberty Freedom For God We Stand". Most had signs, many of which chided "government thugs". Addressing the protestors, Bundy said, "We definitely don't recognize [the BLM director's] jurisdiction or authority, his arresting power or policing power in any way," and "We're about ready to take the country over with force!" After the BLM announced a suspension of the roundup, Bundy suggested blocking a highway.[64] Armed protesters blocked a portion of Interstate 15 for over two hours, causing traffic backups for three miles in both directions.[75] Protesters also converged at the mouth of Gold Butte, the preserve where the cattle were corralled, where a tense, hour-long standoff ensued. BLM rangers warned over loudspeakers that they were prepared to use tear gas.[64] Former Arizona Sheriff Richard Mack, who was with the protesters, said that they were "strategizing to put all the women up at the front. If they are going to start shooting, it's going to be women that are going to be televised all across the world getting shot by these rogue federal officers".[23] Protestors took position on a highway overpass, seemingly offering cover as horse-mounted wranglers led protesters to face off against heavily equipped BLM rangers and snipers.[64] According to Las Vegas assistant sheriff Joe Lombardo, there were 24 BLM rangers and Las Vegas sheriffs present at the standoff.[76] Because of fear that it would be seen as a provocation, Las Vegas police were not allowed to wear protective gear.[77]
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that tensions reached a "critical level" during the armed standoff, "with rifles pointing toward each side."[8] Las Vegas station KLAS-TV also reported that guns were pointed at officers.[77] Assistant Sheriff Joe Lombardo recounted that "they were in my face yelling profanities and pointing weapons," and said, "We were outgunned, outmanned, and there would not have been a good result from it." [77]