Feds release cows gathered in Nevada roundup

Feds release cows gathered in Nevada roundup:

 Federal land managers say "escalating tensions" led them to release all 400 or so head of cattle rounded up on public land in southern Nevada from a rancher who has refused to recognize their authority.

Bureau of Land Management Chief Neil Kornze announced an abrupt halt to the weeklong roundup just hours before the release.

"Based on information about conditions on the ground and in consultation with law enforcement, we have made a decision to conclude the cattle gather because of our serious concerns about the safety of employees and members of the public," Kornze said in a statement.

Hundreds of states' rights protesters, including militia members, showed up at corrals outside Mesquite to demand the animals' return to rancher Cliven Bundy. Some protesters were armed with handguns and rifles at the corrals and at an earlier nearby rally.

 

  

The Bundy family and their supporters fly the American flag as their
cattle were released by the Bureau of Land Management back onto public
land outside of Bunkerville, Nev. on April 12, 2014. (AP Photo/Las Vegas
Review-Journal, Jason Bean)