Eric Parker, the man pictured above aiming his rifle at Bureau of Land Management agents, was finally arrested last night along with more than a dozen other men who've now been indicted for taking up arms against the government in 2014.
Among other things, Parker and his cohorts have been charged with conspiracy to injure a federal officer, assault on a federal officer, and threatening a federal law enforcement officer.
Here's a list of those who've been indicted via TPM
Melvin D. Bundy, 41, of Round Mountain, Nevada
David H. Bundy, 39, of Delta, Utah
Brian D. Cavalier, 44, of Bunkerville
Blaine Cooper, 36, of Humboldt, Arizona
Gerald A. DeLemus, 61, of Rochester, New Hampshire
Eric J. Parker, 32, of Hailey, Idaho
O. Scott Drexler, 44, of Challis, Idaho
Richard R. Lovelien, 52, of Westville, Oklahoma
Steven A. Stewart, 36, of Hailey
Todd C. Engel, 48, of Boundary County, Idaho
Gregory P. Burleson, 52, of Phoenix
Joseph D. O’Shaughnessy, 43, of Cottonwood, Arizona
Micah L. McGuire, 31, of Chandler, Arizona
Jason D. Woods, 30, of Chandler, Arizona
Parker and four of the above men were arrested in Boundary County, Idaho last night.
Parker, 32, and Steve Arthur Stewart, 36, both of Hailey, O. Scott Drexler, 44, of Challis and Todd Engel, 48, of Boundary County were taken into custody on charges stemming from the standoff when federal officials tried rounding up cattle that belonged to rancher Cliven Bundy, U.S. Attorney for Idaho Wendy Olson said. [...]
Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott wrote in a court filing that Parker “embraced his new-found fame” and became one of the most recognizable figures outside the Bundy family members who participated in the siege. Parker frequently changed his Facebook profile photo to show images of himself pointing his assault rifle at law enforcement officers on April 12, 2014.
Not too bright.
I have to admit I was among those who thought federal authorities should have responded more immediately and forcefully to this insurrection, but letting the men resume their daily lives and boast of their conquest while further incriminating themselves clearly paid off.
The Man did come around.