FBI in Charge of Diffusing Armed Takeover at Oregon Federal Building

The FBI is now in charge of diffusing the armed standoff held by a group of activists at a federal building in Oregon.

FBI agents will be working with local and state officials, which include the Harney Country Sheriff's Office and the Oregon State Police, to find "a peaceful resolution." The FBI did not provide any more details.

"Due to safety considerations for both those inside the refuge as well as the law enforcement officers involved, we will not be releasing any specifics with regards to the law enforcement response," the FBI said in a statement reported by the Washington Post.

The takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge building happened Saturday after an anti-government protest and rally took place. The protest was held in support of two local ranchers who were found guilty of arson. The father-and-son duo, Dwight and Steven Hammond, had started to fire for the purpose of protecting their land from wildfires in 2001. The fire, however, got out hand.

Contrary to the Hammonds' claims, the acting U.S. attorney, Billy J. Williams, stated that they had set the fire to cover up evidence of poaching. The Hammonds stated that they would be turning themselves over to serve their five-year sentences. In regards to the protest and takeover, they have kept their distance.

"These men came to Harney County claiming to be part of militia groups supporting local ranchers," Harney County Sheriff David M. Ward said in a statement Sunday according to the Post. "When in reality these men had alternative motives, to attempt to overthrow the county and federal government in hopes to spark a movement across the United States."

The leader of the standoff, Ammon Bundy, 40, stated that they would not be leaving the premises until they get what they want.

"We will be here as long as it takes," Bundy told CNN via the phone. "We have no intentions of using force upon anyone, (but) if force is used against us, we would defend ourselves."

Bundy, who is the son of Cliven Bundy, a rancher from Nevada who held a standoff with the government in 2014, added, "This is about taking the correct stand without harming anybody to restore the land and resources to the people so people across the country can begin thriving again."

Bundy and the unknown number of protesters who are with him have not clearly stated in detail what they want from the federal government. During the rally, the protesters accused government officials of convicting the Hammonds as punishment after they refused to sell their land.

Bundy did say, when asked what it would take to end the standoff, "The people will need to be able to use the land and resources without fear as free men and women. We know it will take some time. I would tell any federal agent that the people are enforcing their rights and expressing their rights to restore their land and resources back to the people."

Since news of the takeover surfaced, many people on Twitter and other social media platforms have called out the government, the media and the public, who they believe have a double standard. They argue that since the armed men are white, they are being called protesters and activists as opposed to terrorists.

"We are not terrorists," Bundy said. "We are concerned citizens and realize we have to act if we want to pass along anything to our children."

Bundy is calling for people who support the movement to come and join him.

There were no employees inside of the building when the takeover happened.