PORTLAND, Ore. – Authorities say police were justified in killing an armed Arizona rancher who helped lead a standoff at an Oregon national wildlife refuge earlier this year.
A county prosecutor on Tuesday released the results of an investigation into the death of Robert “LaVoy” Finicum. Oregon State Police opened fire during a traffic stop Jan. 26 that also led to the arrests of the occupation’s leaders.
Get breaking National news
The FBI previously released video of the shooting to counter claims Finicum did nothing to provoke it.
READ MORE: Rancher killed in Oregon standoff vowed to die before going to jail
- U.S. confirms space weapons launch for the 1st time. Should you be concerned?
- Prince Harry, Meghan Markle change children’s school over ‘security’ fears
- China can now ban citizens from leaving for national or industrial security
- Anthrax outbreak kills more than 50 animals, infects 12 people in Zambia
In the aerial footage, Finicum is pulled over in his truck but then takes off and plows into a snowbank. He gets out and has his hands up at first, then appears to reach toward his jacket pocket at least twice. Officers shoot him, and he falls.
The FBI said it found a loaded handgun in the pocket.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.