Reflections on the Bundy Standoff: A Reunion of Supporters

On April 5, 2025, supporters of Cliven Bundy gathered at his ranch in Bunkerville, Nevada, to commemorate the events of a significant standoff that took place nearly eleven years prior. This gathering not only celebrated Bundy’s controversial actions but also reflected on the ongoing discourse surrounding federal land management in the United States.

The Standoff’s Historical Context

In 2014, the Bundy family became embroiled in a confrontation with federal agents over cattle grazing rights. The dispute stemmed from Bundy’s refusal to pay grazing fees owed to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) since 1993, leading to a court-ordered seizure of his cattle. The standoff reached a peak on April 12, 2014, when armed supporters amassed near the Toquop Bridge, prompting a tense showdown with federal law enforcement.

A Gathering of Supporters

The reunion attracted supporters like Amy Patterson, who resonated with the Bundy cause after attending the original standoff. Wearing a commemorative T-shirt, Patterson expressed her sense of community among fellow supporters, especially after losing her husband in 2015. “I found a sense of community among those who shared my beliefs,” said Patterson, reflecting on her involvement post-standoff.

Voices in the Crowd

At the gathering, U.S. Navy veteran Eddie Jenness articulated the sentiment of many attendees. He emphasized the importance of individual rights and local governance in light of federal actions, stating, “If you listen to the media, we’re a bunch of white terrorists and Nazis — you name it. But there’s two sides to every story.”

Another attendee, Brand Thornton, also shared his views, highlighting the ongoing struggles between ranchers and federal authorities. Thornton stated, “It has to do with land rights… All the new states entered on equal footing, which meant they were sovereign.”

Cliven Bundy’s Perspective

Arriving later in the day, Cliven Bundy donned a cowboy hat and expressed his views on the events that transpired in 2014. He proudly referred to the incident as a “protest,” emphasizing the need for local officials to uphold the rights of residents against federal control. “We weren’t protesting the federal government; we were protesting our sheriff to do his job,” Bundy remarked.

The Role of Armed Supporters

The presence of armed militia groups during the standoff is a topic of ongoing debate. The Bundy family acknowledges the influence of these organizations, with Bundy himself stating that he was not directly involved in the standoff but felt supported by those armed individuals. “I had hundreds of people who had guns pointing at ’em,” Bundy recounted. “But the good Lord said, ‘it’s not your job’.”

Legacy and Continuing Discussions

The gathering highlighted how the events surrounding the 2014 standoff continue to resonate within certain communities, fostering a network of supporters who view the Bundys as symbols of resistance against federal authority. Vincent Easley II, who organized the reunion, remarked on the role of social media in mobilizing and uniting supporters for the cause, showing how technological advancements have influenced political activism.

Conclusion

As the Bundy supporters reflected on their past and future engagement, it became evident that the questions surrounding land ownership and federal governance remain contentious issues in American society. Cliven Bundy, now viewed as a central figure within a larger movement, expressed hope for continued influence, stating, “One thing that we had in our favor is we had the people, and a lot of them.”

For further insights, contact Dat Schneider at 702-948-7811 or follow on Twitter @DatSchneids.