Phoenix-area militiman involved in Oregon standoff set for federal detention hearing
Feb 2, 2016, 10:44 AM
Jon Ritzheimer mugshot; Ritzheimer, of Arizona, a member of the group occupying the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge headquarters, adjusts a sign Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016, near Burns, Ore. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
PHOENIX — An Arizona militiaman involved with the Oregon standoff will learn Tuesday whether a federal judge in Phoenix will decide to keep him in prison or let him out.
The detention hearing of Jon Eric Riztheimer of Peoria was set for the afternoon.
Ritzheimer turned himself in to local authorities Jan. 26, the same night that federal and Oregon law enforcement officers and members of the armed occupants of a national wildlife refuge clashed during a traffic stop.
Arizona rancher Robert “LaVoy” Finicum died in the confrontation on a snowy highway.
Ritzheimer’s arrest was one of 10 others from the standoff that began Jan. 2 at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Another Arizonan, Joseph D. O’Shaughnessy, 45, of Cottonwood, was taken into custody in Oregon but not during the highway altercation.
Ritzheimer led an anti-Muslim protest in Phoenix last year.
His initial appearance was Wednesday.
Ritzheimer was expected to eventually be sent to Oregon.
All the arrested men faced federal felony charges of conspiracy to impede officials in their official duties through use of force, intimidation or threats.
