David Fry, the last of the militants occupying the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge near Burns, Oregon, has surrendered to the FBI initially refusing to do so.
The three other remaining occupiers, Sandy and Sean Anderson and Jeff Banta, surrendered peacefully Thursday morning. Supporters are live streaming audio through a phone call, which you can listen to above.
After the trio turned themselves in, Fry shouted to the FBI that he did not want to come out to surrender “unless his grievances are heard.” He also said that that he felt suicidal and does not want to go to prison.
He could be heard communicating with the FBI agents at the scene and talking to supporters. More than 30,000 people listened for an hour as he threatened to commit suicide or go out shooting at the agents. Eventually he was talked into giving himself up without incident.
The occupation began in January and was led by Ammon Bundy, who was taken into custody with other leaders, including his brother, Ryan Bundy. Another militant leader, LaVoy Finicium, was shot and killed by the FBI. Bundy’s father, Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy, was arrested Wednesday night in Oregon on charges related to a 2014 standoff with federal agents at his ranch.
Fry, 27, is an Ohio native who became one of the public faces of the occupation after posting videos and livestreams on YouTube.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Fry Said He ‘Has to Stand His Ground’ & Will Die a Free Man’
David Fry. (YouTube)
Fry has said he “has to stand his ground” and “will die a free man.” He also said he was pointing a gun at his own head and does not want to “live here” anymore.
“I told everybody what I was going to do, that I will have a pistol and I will kill myself,” Fry said.
He has also said that he is afraid of going to prison.
Supporters tried to talk Fry into leaving peacefully. The occupiers had weapons in the tent where Fry was camping, but it is not known if he is armed.
He has ranted against abortion, Obamacare, the U.S. war against the Middle East and taxes.
Eventually Fry said he would come out peacefully if the FBI agents shouted “hallelujah” with him, which they did.
2. He Has Made Controversial Social Media Posts Including Support for ISIS & Hitler
(Google+)
Fry is active on social media, ranting about several topics, including posts that supported ISIS and Hitler. But he said those posts were sarcastic.
“The media is blowing this up and making me look like a bad guy, but I was just being sarcastic,” he told The Oregonian. “I was being very offensive. That was the goal, to be very offensive.”
Fry created a website for the movement, but it was later deleted because he registered the address as the White House.
“I felt like this was a good place to maybe make a change for America,” he told The Oregonian.
3. He Became Involved in the Occupation Through an Online Friendship With LaVoy Finicium
Fry became involved in the occupation through an online friendship with LaVoy Finicium, who was killed by police when they tried to take him and other Bundy militia leaders into custody.
“He talked about LaVoy a lot, you know, on the computer, and even on the phone,” his father, William Fry Jr., told Oregon Public Broadcasting. “They were friends. I’m not sure how good, but before he left [for Oregon], and I think if LaVoy wasn’t there, [David] wouldn’t have left.”
Fry has often talked about how the FBI killed Finicum, saying he expects the same outcome for himself.
4. Fry’s Family Said They Were Afraid He Would Try to Commit Suicide by Cop
(Google+)
According to Oregon Public Broadcasting, Fry’s father and grandfather have expressed fears that he would try to commit suicide by cop.
Fry has repeatedly posted videos from the refuge saying he is willing to die and saying goodbyes to family members and supporters. His family told OPB he has issues, including anger toward authority.
“He’s had his problems, some of which he’s brought on himself,” his paternal grandfather, William Fry, told OPB. “He gets pulled over for busted taillights, and instead of just rolling down his window and handing over his insurance, he screams at the officer, ‘What the [expletive] do you want?’ And right there, a regular thing turns into him in handcuffs.”
Fry has a criminal record, including convictions for drug possession, possession of marijuana paraphernalia and having an insufficient life jackets while floating on a river in an inflatable raft, the Oregonian reports.
5. He Was One of the Final Four Occupiers Left at the Refuge After the Bundys & Others Were Arrested
Sean and Sandy Anderson. (YouTube)
The other three final occupiers, husband and wife Sean and Sandy Anderson, and Jeff Banta, surrendered peacefully to the FBI on Thursday morning. David Fry narrated the surrender on the phone call with radio host Gavin Seim.
According to the Oregonian, Sean Anderson, 47, and Sandy Anderson, 48, are from Riggins, Idaho, and own and outdoor supply company. Banta, 46, is from Elko, Nevada, and is a construction worker.