Ammon Bundy, the far-right antigovernment crusader, is reportedly hiding out in southern Utah after fleeing a $50 million legal verdict and arrest warrant in Idaho.
Independent investigative unit Bellingcat used clues in Bundy’s videos, including a school calendar magnet on a refrigerator, to geolocate his position in Washington County.
Bundy led a harassment campaign against an Idaho hospital and its staff after the grandson of one of Bundy’s supporters was temporarily taken removed from the family and treated at St. Luke’s Regional Health for allegedly being malnourished.
The hospital sued for defamation and won a more than $50 million judgment. Bundy repeatedly refused to appear for the legal proceedings, leading to an arrest warrant on contempt of court charges.
“I have no concerns, I have not been hiding but working and providing for my family”, Bundy told Bellingcat. “At any time peace officers could find me if they wish. I pray that Utah has a stronger sense to protect free speech than Idaho does”, he wrote.
Late last year, Bundy abandoned his home in Idaho and went on the run. He has posted several videos online during that time, which allowed Bellingcat to determine his location.
Bundy, who is the first cousin of Utah’s 2nd Congressional District Rep. Celeste Maloy, led the deadly takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon in 2016. Bundy’s father, Cliven, staged an armed standoff with federal agents over cattle grazing on federal land in 2014. Maloy’s mother, Cathy “Cass” Turner Maloy, is the sister of Carol Turner Bundy, who is the second wife of Cliven Bundy.
This story is developing and may be updated.
