FBI arrests Cliven Bundy leading to protesters' surrender in Oregon occupation

'We reached a point where it became necessary to take action in a way that best ensured the safety of those on the refuge.'

Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy stepped off a plane at the Portland International Airport Wednesday evening and was taken to Multnomah County jail, where his sons Ammon and Ryan Bundy were already being held.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - On Thursday morning the Bundy Ranch Facebook page posted an explanation of Bundy's arrest, along with a prayer request.

"Cliven has been arrested and is being charged, apparently based on what happened in 2014 at Bundy Ranch," the post reads. "They keep coming for us patriots, they keep attacking peaceful principled men and woman [sic]. What are the people to do when our government becomes the enemy of the law. [sic] -- Pray fervently tonight. Many are in peril."

According to USA Today, Bundy faces federal charges for defying authorities over federal land rights and owes $1 million in penalties and grazing fees. He is also charged of conspiracy to interfere with a federal officer and undisclosed weapons charges.

Bundy's sons, Ammon and Ryan, were arrested January 26 for interfering with a federal officer. During the confrontation with authorities, one man, Robert "LaVoy" Finicum, was killed when he fled police roadblock on his way to a community meeting.

The remaining four protesters - David Fry, Jeff Banta, Sean and Sandy Anderson - originally joined the protest to oppose federal land-use policies, but after the Bundy boy reunion behind bars, each of the protesters admitted defeat. 

The armed occupiers agreed to surrender and vacate the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge headquarters following both the arrest and a dramatic confrontation with the FBI that was live-streamed over the internet.

During the confrontation, the protesters contacted Nevada legislator Michele Fiore, a sympathizer who attempted to convince them to surrender. She told them, "I need you guys alive."

According to the Oregonian, the elder Bundy's lawyer, Mike Arnold, stated his client's arrest was "terribly unfortunate" as Fiore was closing in on a resolution.

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