LAS VEGAS — Images of a forced cattle roundup on a rural Nevada range sent ripples through the West on Friday, prompting elected officials in several states to weigh in, militia members to mobilize and federal land managers to reshape elements of the operation.
Bureau of Land Management officials dismantled designated protest areas Thursday, and Nevada’s governor urged calm as the fight over Cliven Bundy’s cattle widened into a debate about states’ rights and federal land-use policy.
The dispute that triggered the roundup dates to 1993, when the BLM cited concern for the federally protected tortoise. The agency later revoked Bundy’s grazing rights.
Bundy claims ancestral rights to graze his cattle on lands his Mormon family settled in the 19th century. He stopped paying grazing fees and disregarded court orders to remove his animals.
BLM officials say Bundy owes more than $1.1 million in grazing fees.
“I’m seeing a lot of passionate Americans willing to stand up for important rights,” said Nevada state Assemblywoman Michele Fiore.
Fiore said Friday she was horrified that BLM police used stun guns on one of Bundy’s adult sons during a confrontation this week. Video of the confrontation has spread online, along with blog commentary claiming excessive government force.
