NEW:Militiamen Occupy Federal Office in Oregon

Sunday, January 03, 2016

The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, where the militia has occupied a federal building; via the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Facebook apge

A group of armed militiamen have taken over a federal wildlife office in southeastern Oregon and are threatening to hold the building “for years,” according to reports.

According to the New York Times, Federal officials said on Sunday that they were monitoring the takeover of a federal building on The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

The occupation began on Saturday afternoon, after the group, led by Ammon Bundy, a rancher, took over the building. Buddy received attention in 2014, when his father inspired a standoff between local armed anti-government groups and federal officials over cattle grazing.

The building houses the offices of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and is operated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. It is about 30 miles southeast of Burns and is located in Harney County.

According to a spokesman from the wildlife agency, no employees were in danger due to the occupation.

According to the Times, in a statement, Bundy said that his group was “prepared to be out here for as long as need be,” and would only leave the building once the people of Harney County “can use these lands as free men.”

Related Slideshow: 10 Facts About Oregon Gun Laws

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Background Checks

Governor Kate Brown signed a bill into law in May that requires requiring background checks on private gun sales, according to Guns and Ammo Magazine.

"We have an obligation to protect Oregonians from gun violence," Brown said. "If we want to keep our kids, schools and communities safe, we must make it harder for dangerous people to get guns."

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Concealed Carry

According to the National Rifle Association's website, concealed carry of firearms is allowed in Oregon if the carrier has been issued a permit.

To get a concealed carry permit apply at your local sheriff's office, pass a background check, prove you're at least 21, demonstrate that you're competent with the weapon and you're good to walk around strapped.

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Mental Health Issues

In Oregon, people who've lost their gun rights because of mental health issues can petition to get them back, according to the Oregon Psychiatric Review Board.

The PSRB conducts relief hearings to determine if someone should again be permitted to own guns.

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Loaded Guns in Public

According to a description of Oregon gun laws on the NRA website, it is unlawful to possess a loaded firearm in a public building, which includes hospitals, capitol buildings, schools, colleges, courthouses or city hall. Exceptions are made if you have a concealed carry permit.

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Out of State Purchases

According to the NRA, Oregon residents are not limited to purchasing firearms in their own state. They may also purchase firearms in California, Idaho, Nevada or Washington

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Machine Guns

Oregon residents are permitted to own machine guns, as long as they are registered with the federal government, according to the NRA.

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No Permit Required

According to Laws.com, no permit is needed to own a handgun or a rifle in the state of Oregon

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Felons

According to the NRA website, most felons are not allowed to own or carry a firearm in Oregon.

There are exceptions, however. If the crime was later expunged from a person's record or downgraded to a misdemeanor, that person is able to own a gun.