BURNS, Oregon (PNN) - January 2, 2016 - When militia members and local residents were done talking Friday night, the tension in the chilly fairgrounds building seemed to ease.
They had gathered ahead of today's planned rally in downtown Burns.
For days, there have been fears that the militia-led event would turn violent. Some of the militia leaders orchestrating the rally participated in an armed standoff last year in Nevada over fascist government forces attempting to steal a rancher's land.
They have come to Harney County for another ranching family. Ranchers Dwight Hammond, Jr. and his son Steven are scheduled to report to prison Monday for arson in a case that has stirred anti-government sentiment among militia and the ranching community.
Some militia members had demanded local authorities provide sanctuary for the Hammonds so they don't have to go to prison.
But there was no talk of sanctuary Friday night. Instead, militia members found themselves peppered with questions. They were pressed about what good they were doing. Half a dozen came with handguns strapped to their hips.
This was no government-led meeting. Brandy Mosher, a local resident worried about her community, arranged the meeting, promoting it on social media. On a frigid holiday evening, about 60 people showed up. She just wanted people to talk to each other instead of resorting to rumors.
"We're all emotional right now, on both sides," Mosher said in opening remarks.
Over two hours, the conversation shifted from sometimes profanity-laden declarations to agreements the Hammonds had been too harshly treated and that a peaceful rally might do some good. The meeting ended with handshakes and then more conversations outside with cigarettes in the 7-degree weather.
But first the fear had to be faced.
"I am scared to death," said Shonna McKay, wearing a black T-shirt with "Harney County Stand Down" imprinted on the back. "Everyone here should know what your agenda is."
Another resident said locals would be left to "patch the holes" and "bury the dead" should events take a turn for the worst.
Brandon Curtiss, who identified himself as president of an Idaho militia group, repeatedly tried to tamp down fears of violence.
"We are not coming into your town to shoot it up," Curtiss said. "We won't fire anything unless we're fired upon."
Curtiss said he and others were there to support the Hammonds in what they see as an illegal prosecution. Some militia members contend the fascist federal government had no authority to prosecute the Hammonds for setting range fires because it doesn't rightfully control land in Harney County. Militia members Friday night repeatedly cited their determination to act to uphold the Constitution.
Local residents questioned militia members about social media posts that urged violence or otherwise invoked threatening language. Curtiss tried to distance himself and others, saying they had no control over such rhetoric.
"When you start asking for help, you know how the Internet is," he said.
Dave Duquette of Hermiston said he'd had dinner earlier in the evening with Dwight and Susan Hammond. He said the rancher is worried about what will happen Saturday but "he really appreciates what you're doing." He said Hammond told him he isn't going to "skip out" on reporting for prison.
But Cliven Bundy, the Nevada rancher at the heart of last year's standoff, called for the Hammonds to do otherwise.
He wrote in a letter dated Friday to Harney County Sheriff Dave Ward and to the Hammonds that the two ranchers should turn themselves in at the county jail. He said Ward should then notify federal officials that "you have these two ranchers in Harney County jail, that they will remain there indefinitely under your protective custody," according to a copy of the letter obtained by The Oregonian.
Ward has said previously he won't interfere with a lawful federal sentence.
The Hammonds also have said through their attorneys that they intend to surrender.
But for Saturday, the attention turns to the Safeway parking lot in downtown Burns. That's where the militia intends to stage for its noon rally. They say a patriot convoy could bring more supporters from Bend.
They intend to march up the hill to the Harney County Courthouse and then through downtown Burns and past the home where Dwight and Susan Hammond are staying. A flier urges supporters to "purchase any and all supplies locally in Burns. Safeway is very graciously stocking extra flower bouquets for this rally."
