Citizens For Constitutional Freedom is a group of about two dozen members occupying parts of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge by staying in compound. The main members consist of: Ammon Bundy, Ryan Bundy, Mel Bundy, Ryan Payne, Jon Ritzheimer, Blaine Cooper, Melissa Cooper, Jason Patrick, LaVoy Finicum, Brand Thornton, Wes Kjar, Shawna Cox, Brian Cavalier, Steve Turner, Duane Ehmer, Michael Stettler, Neil Wampler, Kenneth Medenbach, Brandon Curtiss, and David Fry. Besides the occupation of the wildlife territory that was made into a refuge for birds and other species in the area through executive laws written by Theodore Roosevelt, they also violated federal laws such as: unpaid grazing fees and deer poaching for the last several decades, which the Bundy s are known for. Their essential demand then shifted for a government response to the ranchers' extended sentences for arson and deer poaching from Dwight and Steve Hammond. ^[1]

Ammon Bundy- one of the sons of rancher Cliven Bundy, who was involved in a 2014 Nevada standoff with the government over grazing rights - told reporters that Dwight Hammond and his son, Steve Hammond, were treated unfairly. ^[1]

The Hammonds were convicted of arson three years ago for fires on federal land in 2001 and 2006, one of which was set to cover up deer poaching, according to prosecutors.

The men served their original sentences - three months for Dwight and one year for Steven.

But an appeals court judge ruled the terms fell short of minimum sentences that require them to serve about four more years.

^[1]

On the record:

“Our purpose, as we have shown, is to restore and defend the Constitution,” Bundy claimed in a press conference that just ended, and added that they “feel like it’s time to make a stand to protect our human rights.”

^[undefined]

Bundy also announced he has a "redress of grievances," and says the group's work is in support of two local Oregon ranchers who today are headed off to jail after burning federal lands.

The ranchers, the Dwight & Steve Hammond, have made clear they want nothing to do with the Bundy militiamen. ^[undefined]

“Our purpose is to restore and defend the constitution," Ammon Bundy told reporters.

"We love our country and we love our people in it."

^[undefined]