Idaho Militia Arrives in Malheur Wildlife Refuge to “Secure Perimeter”

Ever since armed militiamen took control of the Malheur Wildlife Refuge, rumors have swirled over the possibility that law enforcement could turn the situation into a Waco style standoff. On Friday, a militia from Idaho arrived on the scene in the hopes of preventing that from happening.

The group known as “3% of Idaho” is sympathetic to the cause of the Ammon Bundy led militia, and wants to provide a buffer between them and law enforcement. They are apparently trying to “secure a perimeter” around the building, though the precise nature of this perimeter is unknown. According to Bundy, “They just keep an eye on everything that is going on” and are making sure “nothing stupid happens.”

The number of militiamen that will arrive is also unknown, and the few that have showed up, so far appear to be only armed with handguns. Spokesmen for the group have asserted that their presence would not be “paramilitary” in nature. The perimeter is supposed to protect the militiamen in the compound and prevent hotheaded sympathizers (or provocateurs for that matter) from joining them and causing trouble.

Still, to most outside observers and law enforcement officials who are not sympathetic to the militia takeover of the building, these new arrivals may appear to be contributing to the standoff, despite their claims. What do you think? Will the presence of “3% of Idaho” and other militia groups, heighten tensions in Malheur, or will they help keep the peace?