Western States Center Responds to Ammon Bundy’s Conviction in Trespassing Case

Eric K. Ward, Executive Director of Western States Center, released the following statement:   

“Ammon Bundy recklessly flouted the law when he entered the Idaho Capitol after being banned from the building in violation of a no-trespass order. Even more importantly, he acted specifically to disrupt the operation of one of Idaho’s most important democratic institutions.

Bundy has repeatedly endangered the community by intimidating public officials and acting to escalate threats against our democracy. He has encouraged his supporters to disregard law enforcement and the guidance of public-health officials in the middle of a pandemic that has killed nearly 1 million Americans.

Western States Center upholds the right of all individuals to engage in peaceful political protest to highlight their concerns, but those who cynically manipulate the First and Second Amendments in order to intimidate public employees and undermine our public institutions must be held accountable. 

We need a comprehensive response from all levels of government and civil society to attacks on inclusive democracy. In this case that means holding a figure like Bundy accountable under the law. Our Constitution isn’t a toy and the courts underscored that fact in this welcomed decision. We’re encouraged that Bundy has been held accountable by a jury of his peers.”

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Based in the Pacific Northwest and Mountain States, Western States Center works nationwide to strengthen inclusive democracy through building movements, developing leaders, shifting culture, and defending democracy.

MEDIA CONTACT: Nick DeSantis, press@wscpdx.org