WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall issued the following statement on the standoff at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge:
"I respect the right of all Americans to exercise their First Amendment rights to protest laws and policies. But the standoff in Oregon has gone far beyond protest or civil disobedience. The Refuge occupiers pose a significant danger to themselves, law enforcement and the nearby community, and now tragically, the situation has turned deadly. While I strongly oppose their demands, the issues they raise can be debated peacefully, as our Constitution intended. But this is an illegal and armed attempt to seize land that is owned by all Americans. Those involved should face legal consequences for their actions. I'm hoping that reason will prevail and the remaining individuals will surrender without further avoidable violence."
