Power Still On at Ranch as Standoff Nears 70th Day

The power remained on to the ranch occupied by the “freemen” on Saturday, while FBI agents inspected new armored vehicles brought in for their standoff with the anti-government group.

The FBI has arranged to cut off the power supply to the rural freemen compound.

However, McCone Electric Co-op Inc. said it still did not have an order to disconnect service on Saturday, the 69th day of the confrontation.

Two armored vehicles, bearing prominent “FBI” signs on their sides, were unveiled for reporters and photographers Friday; a third was delivered Saturday. But the vehicles remained at the FBI command post at the Garfield County fairgrounds, 30 miles from the ranch.

Agents climbed into one of the cars Saturday, but there were no indications of plans to use the vehicles.

The FBI has said the armored vehicles are on hand in the event that it becomes necessary to conduct emergency rescues or occupy portions of the freemen ranch.

An unmarked helicopter also was brought in Friday.

People who live in and around Jordan gathered Saturday to take pictures of the new FBI equipment.

“I feel bad, but I think it’s kind of hopeful too,” one rancher, speaking on condition of anonymity, said of the apparent effort to put pressure on the freemen. “It would be good to have it over with.”

The freemen, some wanted on state and federal criminal charges, have been holed up at the ranch since March 25. The FBI believes that 18 people, including three children, are at the ranch the freemen call Justus Township.

Charges against some of the freemen include allegations that they circulated millions of dollars in bogus checks and threatened to kidnap and kill a federal judge.