Trump Commutes Sentences Of Extremist Ranchers

Oregon Live reports:

President Donald Trump on Tuesday commuted the sentences of two eastern Oregon ranchers serving time in federal prison for setting fire to public land in a case that inflamed their supporters and gave rise to the armed takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

The decision will free Dwight Hammond Jr., 76, and son Steven Hammond, 49, convicted in 2012 of arson on Harney County land where they had grazing rights for their cattle. They were ordered back to prison in early 2016 to serve out five-year sentences.

“The Hammonds are devoted family men, respected contributors to their local community and have widespread support from their neighbors, local law enforcement and farmers and ranchers across the West,” the White House said in a prepared statement. “Justice is overdue for Dwight and Steven Hammond, both of whom are entirely deserving of these Grants of Executive Clemency.”

Some Trump pardons:

1) Sheriff who refused to comply with court orders

2) Political activist who committed campaign finance fraud

3) Ranchers who committed arson

4) Former WH official who committed perjury

— Bradley P. Moss (@BradMossEsq) July 10, 2018

Pres Trump today grants full pardons to Dwight and Steven Hammond, cattlle ranchers imprisoned in connection with a fire on public land stemming from dispute over grazing rights. Govt appealed original lighter sentence demanding 5-year mandatory. WH calls that unjust.

— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) July 10, 2018

Remember when those right-wing militias took over a federal compound in Oregon and led a 40-day armed occupation? They were protesting the legal case against two ranchers from the area who were convicted of arson and sentenced to prison. Trump just pardoned those two ranchers.

— Marshall Cohen (@MarshallCohen) July 10, 2018