FBI Assault At Ruby Ridge

photo by Art Wolfe

"Unlimited power is apt to corrupt the minds of those who posses it;
and this I know, my lords, that where laws end, tyranny begins."
William Pitt

In 1992, the FBI conducted a military siege of a rural Idaho family, ultimately killing Randy Weaver's dog, son and wife. The federal government's behavior in the incident can only be described as sickening.

Federal agents set Randy Weaver up on weapons charges.

Attempting to infiltrate a white supremacist group, the BATF entrapped Weaver into selling them two shotguns. When he refused to cooperate with them, federal agents lied in order to get support for their retaliation.

The U.S. government murdered Randy Weaver's son and wife during a military siege of Ruby Ridge.

Four hundred armed federal agents conducted a siege of the Weavers' mountain home, first killing Randy Weaver's dog, then his son, then his wife.

Weaver was found innocent of all serious charges.

In a 1993 trial, Randy Weaver and his friend were found innocent of weapons and murder charges. Weaver was found guilty of not appearing in court on the original charges.

Later investigations criticized the federal agents.

The Justice Department's own report recommended criminal prosecution of federal agents; the surviving Weavers won $3.1 million in civil damages.

The U.S. Senate criticized federal law enforcement for their roles.

In September 1995, the Senate held hearings on the Ruby Ridge incident, and in December, released its report criticizing the FBI and other federal law enforcement agencies.

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