Letter to the Honorable Loretta Lynch, Attorney Genereal of the Department of Justice - Concerning the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Armed Takeover

Letter

Dear Attorney General Lynch:

I write to express my concern over the continued takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon by armed extremists. It is my hope that law enforcement officials can safely restore the rule of law and bring those responsible to justice.

Unfortunately, the attack on the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is only the latest effort in a growing campaign by anti-government interests to seize and sell off the American people's public lands.

I am concerned that the absence of federal prosecution after similar events in the past, such as the 2014 standoff near Bunkerville, Nevada, may have emboldened these individuals to seize federal property in the Malheur standoff. There must be consequences for this sort of dangerous action. When the federal government does not fulfill its duty in prosecuting violations of the law, individuals are emboldened to further defy the law.

New Mexico is home to many national forests, parks, refuges, and other public lands. My constituents serve as park rangers and wildlife biologists, volunteer in visitor centers, and routinely hunt, hike, ski, bike, and camp with their families on these public lands. The possibility that their offices and community buildings may be overrun in an armed siege is simply unacceptable. I urge you and the Department of Justice to use all of the resources at your disposal to fully prosecute anyone who has broken the law in these situations.

Thank you for your attention to this important issue.

Sincerely,

MARTIN HEINRICH

United States Senator

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