Trial begins for Cliven Bundy, sons in 2014 Bunkerville standoff with BLM
LAS VEGAS (KSNV News3LV) — Cliven Bundy appeared in court Monday, along with his sons Ryan and Ammon, and a fourth defendant, Ryan Payne.
All four men dressed in red jailhouse uniforms, refusing to change into suits and ties for jury selection.
"They're not allowed to wear that normally. This would be the first time in two years. So they decided to stick with what they're given," said attorney Bret Whipple.
Whipple represents Cliven Bundy.
RELATED | Bundy, sons finally get their day (more likely months) in court for 2014 armed standoff
The 71-year-old rancher is facing decades in prison if convicted of conspiracy and other charges related to the 2014 armed standoff with the Bureau of Land Management.
"If I owe any grazing fees, I'd pay it to the right landlord and that would be Clark County, Nevada," said Cliven Bundy, just prior to his arrest in early 2016, refusing to back down to the federal government.
The government attempted to round up Bundy's cattle over unpaid grazing fees and was confronted by angry protesters, forced to back down.
"We've been ready over a year. We want to get out of here," said Whipple.
One issue hanging over the trial is if the Strip shooting of Oct. 1 will interfere with the defendants' rights to a fair trial?
RELATED |Former prosecutor: Mass shooting could affect Bundy trial jury selection
Bundy supporter Vincent Easley says it's possible.
"There's allegations, Steven Paddock buying guns in Mesquite, and you see in the press, people try to relate it. You get all the conspiracy theories and people making stuff up," said Easley.
Whipple disagrees.
"It's part and parcel of who we are. We have to address it. But I don't think it's connected to what happened in 2014," said Whipple.
As for Cliven Bundy's potential witness list with over 1,000 names, former Senator Harry Reid, Governor Brian Sandoval, and Attorney General Adam Laxalt are all included. Whether any of them actually testifies is yet to be seen.