FBI Moves Armored Cars Near Ranch

Expressing frustration with a 2-month-old stalemate in negotiations, the FBI moved three armored, emergency vehicles into the area on Friday in case rescues are needed or the bureau decides to occupy portions of the “freemen” ranch.

In one of its longest statements since the standoff began March 25, the FBI issued a one-page explanation emphasizing it “still hopes there can be a peaceful, negotiated resolution without jeopardizing the safety of law enforcement personnel or others.”

But the FBI complained that the freemen had reneged on several agreements worked out by some of the 42 third-party intermediaries. The statement quoted Colorado state Sen. Charles Duke, one of the mediators, as saying the freemen “really weren’t interested in compromising.”

Two black armored cars arrived at the FBI center outside Jordan in the early afternoon on a flatbed truck. The FBI said it was also bringing in another armored rescue vehicle and a helicopter.