Lindsay Tyler-defense witness and supporter of the Bundy family
One of many who had travelled to see the occupation in person, Lindsay Tyler, was also a witness for the defense: “I’m a huge supporter of what Ammon has to say because he brings to light some of the land issues the ranchers are facing.” Lindsay spent time at the Refuge and proudly wears a shirt proclaiming: “Unindicted co-conspirator – United States of America vs. BUNDY et al.”
Former public prosecutor and attorney Roger Weidner is a familiar face at events protesting civil rights violations in the area. He is intensely concerned over the public’s lack of knowledge of their constitutional rights, especially in the courts. Weidner proudly recalls his battle scars, including numerous arrests and several assaults at the hands of police or court security. He credits his fighting spirit to his “two-fisted, alpha, 89-pound Norwegian grandmother,” describing how she duked it out with mayors decades ago.
Closing days of chapter one, Malheur Refuge occupation trials
The initial group of Malheur defendants heard closing arguments, and both prosecution and defense rested on Wednesday, Oct. 19. Thursday, the jury received the judge’s instructions and began deliberations until a verdict is reached. Alternate jurors were as mesmerized by this case as many public observers, pleading with the court to allow them to hear the jury’s deliberations, although their request is unlikely to be granted as it is not commonly permitted.
While exhausted, most of the serious activists and supporters surrounding this case told WND they intend to return for future rounds of hearings, unless all charges are dropped against all 26 defendants.
All images by April Kiessling, a long-time contributing writer for WND.