FBI thanks evangelist for helping resolve standoff


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BURNS, Ore. (AP) — The FBI is thanking the Rev. Franklin Graham for helping convince the last four occupiers of a national nature preserve to surrender peacefully.

The holdouts were the last remnants of a larger group that seized the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in eastern Oregon nearly six weeks ago, demanding that the government turn over the land to locals and release two ranchers imprisoned for setting fires.

At a news conference in nearby Burns, Oregon, FBI Special Agent Greg Bretzing said Franklin Graham had been in touch with the occupiers for more than a week, "helping them work through their issues so they could come to a point where they were ready to leave of their own volition."

Bretzing said Graham and Nevada lawmaker Michele Fiore (fee-OHR'-ee), who also negotiated with the occupiers, were at the gate of the federal property today as the four holdouts emerged from the encampment.

On Facebook, Franklin Graham thanked God that everyone was safe and said he prays that "their grievances will be heard and addressed through the right channels."

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