Twitter Mocks Double Standard in Response to Militia Takeover of Oregon Federal Building
One day after a group of armed militia members stormed the federal headquarters of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, located outside of Burns, Oregon, authorities are laying low in their response, reports the Oregonian.
The group that took over the building includes Ammon Bundy, son of Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy, who organized a similar armed standoff against Bureau of Land Management agents attempting to collect his cattle over unpaid taxes last year. The group hopes to draw attention to what they see as unconstitutional federal ownership of western lands, but have also stated their intentions to use the refuge as a training ground — and use force to defend the seized building, if necessary.
Here's Ammon Bundy-from the Oregon militia occupation-explaining what they're doing https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=938588846217924 ...
I talked to Ryan Bundy on the phone again. He said they're willing to kill and be killed if necessary. #OregonUnderAttack
On Twitter, critics alleged the slow response of law enforcement to the brazen attack on federal authority was at least partially due to the perpetrators' skin color and conservative politics.
Some pointed to the double standard of seemingly trigger-happy U.S. police, who killed at least 1,152 people last year, a disproportionate number of whom were people of color. Some also smelled a racial explanation for why no one in the media or law enforcement community was rushing to label the men terrorists.
This is the only way the news is covering this #OregonUnderAttack pic.twitter.com/leSEmhtlzC
Sell cigs - choked out Steal cigars - shot up Play w/ toys - shot up Take over federal bldg - cops ask nicely ¯\_(?)_/¯ #Bundy
Did I miss the call for the national guard in Oregon? I recall them in Ferguson and Baltimore. #OregonUnderAttack
Let's remember that 12 armed militiamen seizing a federal building is still domestic terrorism. #OregonUnderAttack https://twitter.com/johnlgc/status/683515782467162112 ...
I do hope this ends peacefully, and when it does I hope we can figure out how these folks were radicalized. https://twitter.com/leszaitz/status/683517877815644161 ...
Hey @ABC I fixed that typo for you #OregonStandoff #OregonUnderAttack pic.twitter.com/9gcTDUCVjh
Remember, in the U.S., whether it's terrorism depends on the skin tone and religion of those doing the terrorizing. #OregonUnderAttack
We send national guards & military to #Ferguson for protesters & watch on every network but white militia take over a federal building, nah.
Not militia. Not ranchers. Not patriots. Not protesters. Armed Terrorists on domestic soil. That's what your guns make you. #Oregon
Even if these guys said "our goal is to incite terror, fear among people" I still doubt they'd be called terrorists. #OregonUnderAttack
Comedian Hari Kondabolu was a little more blunt.
These men are armed with guns and white skin. #OregonUnderAttack
All these armed white dudes will probably leave unharmed, unless they accidentally shoot themselves. #OregonUnderAttack