Today President Trump pardoned Dwight and Steven Hammond, who were convicted in 2012 of intentionally setting fires on public lands. The Hammonds’ resentencing and return to federal prison after initially receiving a much lighter sentence was seized upon by the occupiers of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge as a reason for protesting federal ownership of public lands in the West.

Former Defenders of Wildlife President and CEO Jamie Rappaport Clark issued this statement:

“The Hammonds were convicted of arson on federal lands, a serious crime. Whatever prompted President Trump to pardon them, we hope that it is not seen as an encouragement to those who might use violence to seize federal property and threaten federal employees in the West.”

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Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With over 1.8 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit Newsroom.Defenders.org and follow us on Twitter @DefendersNews.

For over 75 years, Defenders of Wildlife has remained dedicated to protecting all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With a nationwide network of nearly 2.1 million members and supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on X @Defenders.

  

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