BLM chief: Lawbreakers in Bundy confrontation will be held accountable

The director of the Bureau of Land Management said Monday that lawbreakers will be “held accountable” as the agency pursues a new plan to enforce court orders against Southern Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy for illegally grazing cattle on public land. Agency head Neil Kornze said the BLM now plans to act through the courts after its attempt to round up trespassing cattle was scuttled last month by the threat of violence
“Some folks did break the law,” Kornze said. “We are working hard to ensure that those who did break the law are held accountable.” Kornze’s comments on National Public Radio were his first since directing BLM wranglers and armed agents on April 12 to suspend the operation to seize Bundy cattle in the Gold Butte area of Clark County. They were consistent with written statements the BLM has issued since the confrontation that day with Bundy and armed supporters. Now, Kornze said, “we are going to work through the legal system.” He said his comments had to be limited because an investigation is underway. Clark County Sheriff Doug Gillespie confirmed last week the FBI has opened a criminal probe of alleged threats and assaults on law enforcement officers at the roundup. Kornze spoke carefully when asked about Bundy during a short discussion on the network’s “Diane Rehm Show.” He said the Nevadan’s case was an isolated one. “The context is important,” Kornze said. “We have 16,000 ranchers across the country that work with the Bureau of Land Management and have permits to graze on the public land.” Bundy has been engaged in a 20-year permit dispute that culminated in court orders for his cows to be removed from the range...more