Feds Find Explosives, Trenches, Guns at Oregon Preserve

Investigators combing through an Oregon wildlife preserve occupied by an armed group for nearly six weeks have so far discovered firearms, explosives and trenches dug near an area containing tribal artifacts, according to federal prosecutors. The FBI also was concerned that numerous vehicles found at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge might be booby-trapped, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ethan Knight and Geoffrey Barrow said in a court filing Tuesday. They did not describe the type of firearms or explosives or say what led investigators to think the vehicles might be booby-trapped. "Occupiers appear to have excavated two large trenches and an improvised road on or adjacent to grounds containing sensitive artifacts," prosecutors wrote. The refuge contains artifacts and burial grounds sacred to the Burns Paiute Tribe. Investigators also found human feces in one of the trenches and spoiled food in the living quarters. The FBI expects to take three weeks to process the nature preserve seized Jan. 2 by occupiers demanding the government relinquish control of public lands...more