Standoff Remains Just That

There were no outward signs of progress Tuesday toward a conclusion of the Freemen-FBI standoff that began on March 25.

Other than what appeared to be an animated conversation by four people at a Freemen sentry post, there was little apparent activity at the ranch the Freemen call Justus Township. FBI SWAT teams continued to isolate the ranch with checkpoints along the county road that serves the remote area.

The Freemen are anti-government extremists who have been holed up for 65 days at the ranch 30 miles northwest of Jordan. The FBI believes 18 people, some wanted on criminal charges, are in the compound, which includes several houses. Three children are among the people at the ranch.

The FBI has brought in generators so neighboring households will continue to get electricity if the FBI cuts service to the Freemen.