Ammon Bundy, the leader of the armed occupation of a Federal wildlife reserve in Oregon, has told the rest of them to leave it following his arrest.
It is unclear how many people are still at the refuge. The local sheriff, Dave Ward, said the illegal occupation was tearing the community apart.
Speaking through his attorney, Mr Bundy called for the siege to come to an end.
He said: "To those remaining at the refuge, I love you. Let us take this fight from here.
"Please stand down. Go home and hug your families. This fight is ours for now in the courts."
He's worried someone else will become the hero, the center of attention, if the group digs in or is removed by force.
Photo: Reuters
