Freemen want leader transferred to Montana
Members also ask for proof they are subject to U.S. laws
April 29, 1996
Web posted at: 12:45 a.m. EDT
BRUSETT, Montana (CNN) -- Former Green Beret James "Bo" Gritz said Sunday evening that the Freemen have agreed to surrender to federal authorities if government officials can convince them their compound comes under the jurisdiction of the United States.
But that might be a difficult task. The Freemen argue that their farm, dubbed Justus Township, is not subject to U.S. law.. They also want their leader, LeRoy Schweitzer, moved from a Missouri prison to one in Billings, Montana.
"There is an attitude they would rather die than live as slaves," Gritz told CNN after a second day of talks with the anti-government group. "They are willing to walk out, every one of them, right now if the U.S. government can prove this." But, Gritz added, "That appears to be quite a challenge."
"My brain feels like hamburger after going over some of this for so long," he said. "To me they have made a commitment. The U.S. Attorney ought to get to work on this thing."
Schweitzer is in federal custody on charges of running a fraudulent check-kiting operation. Federal authorities have warrants for several Freemen members inside the compound who face similar charges, as well as charges of threatening federal officials.
Gritz, a former U.S. Army Green Beret who helped to successfully negotiate the Ruby Ridge, Idaho, standoff against Randy Weaver in 1992; and Phoenix policeman Jack McLamb negotiated with the Freemen at their compound for more than seven hours.
Sunday marked the second day of these negotiations with the Freemen, who have been holed up in their compound for 35 days.
Gritz' complained that the FBI would not allow Weaver inside the compound to assist in the negotiations. "This is like Vietnam," he said. "I know what it takes to accomplish these operations. When they deny me the resource I need it makes it awfully hard."
On Saturday, Gritz said one concession the Freemen want is for Wyoming attorney Gerry Spence to agree to represent them.
Stewart Douglas Waterhouse, 37, voluntarily left the Freemen ranch Saturday afternoon and was arrested without incident. Waterhouse was wanted on an state charge of felony intimidation in Oklahoma and a federal charge for running a police roadblock to enter the Freemen's compound two days after the standoff began in March.
Waterhouse is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Richard Anderson in Billings, Montana on Monday to be formally charged.
Related stories:
- Gritz upbeat after 7-hour Freeman talks - April 28, 1996
- 'Freeman' arrested in Kansas - April 17, 1996
- Freemen members plead not guilty - April 12, 1996
- Freemen talks break down, lawmaker says - April 10, 1996
- Authorities having trouble communicating with Freemen - April 10, 1996
- ATF agents blame Weaver for shoot-out - September 7, 1995
- Head of ATF to declare Weaver was at fault for siege - September 8, 1995
- Randy Weaver tells his side of the story - September 8, 1995
Related sites:
- James "Bo" Gritz - (Info from Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith)
- Armed and Dangerous: Idaho - Report from the Anti-Defamation League
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