Sheriff supports Idaho couple’s actions in Oregon standoff

GRANGEVILLE, Idaho – Sean and Susan Anderson of Riggins, Idaho, made some poor choices when they joined the occupiers at a wildlife refuge in Oregon, but they did nothing wrong.

That’s the opinion of Idaho County Sheriff Doug Giddings.

Even though the couple posted videos and social media messages urging violence against the government, the sheriff says they were only exercising their First Amendment right to free speech.

Giddings told the Lewiston Tribune Thursday that the Andersons got swept up in the emotions of the moment.

The Andersons were among the last four occupiers at the refuge and gave themselves up to the FBI Thursday morning to end the weeks-old standoff.

The sheriff has been criticized after making earlier statements that the Andersons were good citizens in Riggins.