Report of Investigation Regarding
Representative Matt Shea
Washington State House of Representatives
December 1, 2019

Prepared by: Kathy Leodler, Senior Investigator
Paul Leodler, Senior Investigator
1

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................................... 4
A. Scope of Investigation ............... .................................................. .................... ........................•............ 4
B. Methodology ......................................................•...................................................... .......................... 4
C. Independence of Investigation ......................... ............................ ...................................................... 5
D. Declination of Interview by Representative Shea ............................................................................... 6
E. Summary Determination of Facts ........................................................................................................ 6
Conflict #1: 2014 Armed Standoff Against the US Government, Bunkerville, Nevada ............... ........ 6
Conflict #2: 2015 Priest River Armed Conflict, Bonner County, Idaho ........... ................................. ..... 7
Conflict #3: 2016 Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Armed Takeover, Harney County, Oregon ........ 8
F. Summary Determination Other Facts .................................................. .............................................. 10
Details of Investigation .................................................................................. ...........•................................. 11
Section 1: Analysis of Key Findings ................................................................................................ ............ 11
Conflict #1: 2014 Armed Standoff Against the US Government, Bunkerville, Nevada ..................... 11
Conflict #2: 2015 Priest River Armed Conflict, Bonner County, Idaho ............................................... 13
Conflict #3: 2016 Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Armed Takeover, Harney County, Oregon ...... 15
Section 2: Other Incidents of Engaging in, Planning and Promoting Political Violence ........................... 29
Section 3: Timeline of Events ..................................................................................................................... 37
Section 4: Political Violence ........................................................................... ............................. ............... 66
A. The Patriot Movement ................................................ ..................................................................... . 66
B. Patriot Movement Connections to Violence ........................................... .............................. ........... 66
C. Representative Shea's Connections to the Patriot Movement ............ .......................... ...... ............ 67

D. Associations with Militia Groups .............................................. ............. ............................................ 67
111%
Militia .................................................................................................. .................................... .... 67
Liberty for All - Washington 111%
militia (LFA3%) .............................................................................. 68
Citizens for Constitutional Freedom (C4CF)................................... ................. .................................... 69
Operation Mutual Defense (OMD) ................... ............................................................ ..................... 69
Oath Keepers ..................................................................................................................... ................. 70
Lightfoot Militia .............. ....................................................................................................... ............. 70
Pacific Patriots Network (PPN) .......................................................................................................... 71
E. Other Organizations ............................................................ ............................................................... 71
Coalition of Western States (COWS)....................................................................... ............................ 71

2

 Constitutional

Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (CSPOA)......................... .............. ....... ......... 72

Marble Community Fellowship (MCF) ......... ....... ........................................ .............................. ......... 73
Sagebrush Rebellion to Sagebrush Insurgency .................. .............. ......... .............. ............... ............ 74

Section 5: Shared Strategy - Representative Shea and The Patriot Movement ............................ ............. 77
A. Defense of the Constitution ............... ........... ......... ............ ...................... .................... ..................... 77
B. Land Issues ............ ........ ........................ ................. ............. ..... ........ ..................... ..... ....... ....... ......... 77
C. Weapons ............ ............ ............. ..... ....... ............. ..... ......... ............... ...... .... ................. ............... ....... 77
D. Removal of Power from the Federal Government ............. ....................... ............ ................... ......... 77
E. Law Enforcement at the Sheriff Level. ............ ....... ........................... .................. .................... ........... 77

Section 6: Tactics ....................................................................................................................................... 78
A. Political Power .................. ........... .................. ............. .................. ......... ............... .............. .... .......... 78
B. Fear ..... ............... ............. ...... ............. ..... ....................... ........ ....... ........................................... ....... ... 78
C. Radicalization ..................... ................ ........................ ....... ............. .................................. ...... ............ 79
D. Intimidation

and Use of Force ....... ......... ........ ......................... ............. .............. ...... ................. ....... 79

Section 7: Communications ................................................. ........ ............ .............. ,....................... ....... 80

Section 8: Summary of Analysis ................. ........... ....................... ...................... ............... ,................. ........ 80
Section 9: Risk Assessment .............................................................................. ............... ............ ............... 81
References ................................. ............... ................ ................ ................ .................................. ................ . 82
APPENDICES ......................................... ................................................................................................. 100
APPENDIX A ................... ........... ....... ................ .... ... ,........ ....... .... ,................ ......... ,.............................. 101
Representative Matt Shea ........ ....................... ........................ ......... .......... ................ ............... ......... . 101
APPENDIX 8 ............ ........................... ..... ...... ........ ...... ......... ......................... .......................... ....... ... 104
Incident Reports - Public Record Requests .............. ........ ....... ........ ............................ ............... ...... 104
APPENDIX C.......................................................................................................................................... 107
Witness Statements ................ ............ ........... ..... ........ .. ,............... ............... ............ ............... ........... .. 107
APPENDIX D ................. ......... ...................................... .............................. ........ ................................... 108
Electronic Documents ........ ..................... .,............. ................... ...................... ........... ........... ................ 108

3

 Executive Summary
Rampart Group LLC Investigators were engaged by the Washington State House of Representative on
July 29, 2019 to perform an independent investigation regarding Representative Matt Shea, District 4.
Rampart Group LLC Investigators commenced on July 29, 2019, with a fact-finding investigation that
incl.uded identifying and locating witnesses and other ourl;t:Su[information, conducting interviews,
reviewing documents and correspondence, and researching and assess ing online news media and open
source reporting related to allegations concerning Representative Shea previously identified in the public
domain.

A. Scope of Investigation
The scope of the investigation as directed by the Washington State House of Representatives included the
following directives:
• Determine whether Representative Shea was engaged in, planned, or promoted political violence
against groups or individuals
• Identify the extent ofRepresentative Shea's involvernem witb groups or individuals who promote,
engage in or plan political violence against group or individuals, and the nature of the activities in
which these individuals or groups are engaged
• Assess the level of threat of political violence posed by these individuals and groups
To that end, the following definitions were applied:
Political Violence- Hostile, antagonistic and/or aggressive acts related to the public affairs of a
country or government that are carried out by persons or governments with the intent to exert
power or pressure to hurt, damage or kill in order to forcefully achieve a political goal
Engage in - To take part in a particular activity; to join in or participate or be part of or
associated with a person, thing, action or cause
Plan - To decide on and arrange in advance
Promote - To further the progress of an action or a cause; to support or actively encourage

B. Methodology
To achieve investigative objectives Rampart Group LLC Investigators developed and implemented an
investigative plan that included identifying, locating and conducting interviews of witnesses; identifying
other sources of information; review and analysis of documents, correspondence and online open source
reporting; and establishing a general Timeline of Events from the time Representative Shea was first
elected to his District 4 position in 2008 through November 30, 2019.
Rampart Group LLC Investigators implemented the investigative plan by:
• Conducting 34 interviews of witnesses and other sources of information to include senior law
enforcement officials, elected officials, former associates of Representative Shea, political opponents,
other sources of information and concerned citizens

4

 •
•
•
•

Tracking news reporting and general political and other activities in a Timeline of Events between
2008 through November 2019 and comparing with source and witness statements
Researching, fact checking, analyzing and documenting witness statements and source information
Linking witness statements and source information to the Timeline of Events
Collecting, researching, reviewing and analyzing over 46 gigabytes of data totaling over 120,000
electronic communications, online data and other documents, and linking pertinent information to
the Timeline of Events and witness statements

The information in this report was gathered with regard for the privacy and security of witnesses, other
sources of information and documents reviewed. All materials were handled and maintained in a secure
and confidential manner.
Citations in this report have been used to protect the identity, safety and security of witnesses and other
sources of information that provided relevant facts to Rampart Group LLC Investigators specific to
Representative Shea's engagement in and association with groups and individuals engaged in political
violence.

C. Independence of Investigation
Rampart Group LLC operated with total independence throughout this four-month investigation. The
determination of facts gathered and included in the final report are based upon witness statements,
analysis of source information, documents review, and online research and analysis. Investigators
obtained witness information and from other sources of information on a voluntary basis.
Investigators included individuals with extensive experience in career law enforcement and private sector
investigations; experience in conducting independent complex and unbiased investigations; experience in
witness interviews and obtaining statements; experience in relationships with confidential sources ,
experience in document management, assimilation and report writing.
Investigators had no past or present professional , social or otherwise relationship with any members of the
Washington State House of Representatives, Representative Shea, witnesses or other confidential sources
of information.
Investigators maintained a secure workspace that was accessible only to the Rampart Group LLC team .
Investigators reviewed and analyzed over 230 open source online news articles, other references and
documents dating 2008 through 2019.
The interviews in this investigation ranged from persons directly associated with Representative Shea
who had personal knowledge of his political activities between 2008 through November 2019, to
individuals who had direct knowledge of groups or individuals associated with him.
The witnesses were cooperative, forthright and were deemed to be credible and reliable. Some witnesses
cooperated in this investigation at great risk to themselves. Several witnesses have been the subject of
threats and intimidation by individuals or groups associated with Representative Shea prior to the
initiation of this investigation and requested confidentiality.

5

 D. Declination oflnterview by Representative Shea
Representative Shea declined to be interviewed in this Investigation. Investigators afforded
Representative Shea an opportunity to answer to public allegations made against him in news media and
online reporting that became a focus of this investigation, as well as to respond to allegations made by
witnesses and documentary evidence collecteci ;:isoflHtP.SP.ptP.mhP.r
?.019
After several attempts to reach Representative Shea through phone calls, email messaging and certified
letters, on September 26, 2019 Rampart Group LLC Investigator received a phone call from attorney
Mark Lamb responding on behalf of Representative Shea. Discussion included the scope of the
investigation, timeframe and logistics of which the Investigator assured could occur at a date, time, and
location of Representative Shea's choosing prior to the conclusion of the investigation on December 1,
2019. Mr. Lamb agreed to discuss the request for the interview with Representative Shea and respond to
the Investigator. No further contact was received from Mr. Lamb or Representative Shea. Investigators
concluded Representative Shea declined the request for interview.

E. Summary Determination of Facts
This report sets forth the essential determination of facts and represents a fair, objective and
comprehensive analysis. Moreover, the extensive contemporaneous documentation of information
collected provided important insights into Representative Shea.
No party attempted to influence the analysis and findings in this report. Rampart Group LLC
Investigators revealed general but not all-inclusive findings in this investigation to the Washington State
House of Representatives Executive Rules Committee on October 17, 2019, in advance of the final report.
No advance copy of this report or any report was provided to any member of the Washington State House
of Representatives or to any other person outside the Rampart Group LLC team.
Consistent with the scope of this investigation Rampart Group LLC Investigators have obtained evidence
that Representative Shea, as a leader in the Patriot Movement, planned, engaged in, and promoted a total
of three armed conflicts of political violence against the United States (US) Government in three states
outside the State of Washington over a three-year period to include 2014, 2015 and 2016. In one conflict
Representative Shea led covert strategic pre-planning in advance of the conflict; continued support to an
armed occupation conflict of a Federal Government facility that lasted 41 days resulting in devastating
financial, physical and emotional harm to a community and its residents; and the loss of one life.

Conflict #1: 2014 Armed Standoff Against the US Government. Bunkerville, Nevada
a. Representative Shea dispatched local militia Liberty For All III% - Washington leader Anthony
Bosworth to Bunkerville, Nevada, on April 9, 2014 to assess the need for armed militia to stand against
the US Government in support of rancher Cliven Bundy and his family in resistance to a federal court
order. 1
b. Representative Shea prepared and posted a plea on a III% militia website on April 10, 2014, for Patriot
Movement members nationwide to travel to Bunkerville, Nevada and stand with the Bundy family that

1

Exhibit 1C; R25, R29, R120, R123, R124

6

 resulted in the April 11, 2014 turnout of approximately 1500 armed militia members that stood against the
US government. 2
c. Representative Shea traveled to Bunkerville, Nevada April 12-14, 2014 and publicly supported the
armed militias' standoff with the US Government and the Bundy's resistance to a federal court order. 3
d. Between April 12-14, 2014, Representative Shea met with other elected officials from Washington,
Idaho, Nevada and Arizona at Bunkerville, Nevada, who gathered in support of the Bundy family's
resistance to a federal court order and developed a strategy for leadership over future Patriot Movement
armed resistance against the federal government by creating the Coalition of Western States (COWS). 4
e. Representative Shea on June 22, 2014, approximately two months following the Bunkerville armed
standoff against the US Government, was observed at a Spokane area restaurant meeting with Oath
Keepers Militia leaders who participated in the Bunkerville armed standoff and others, and was overheard
discussing militias, weapons, stockpiling ammunition, the Bundy Ranch, Special Forces and snipers. He
was seen passing around a map and what was believed to be a night vision scope. A witness photographed
the meeting participants and reported the incident to law enforcement. 5
f. Representative Shea on March 23, 2016, provided a signed statement to the Washington State House of
Representatives Ethics Investigator that he traveled to Bunkerville, Nevada April 10-12, 2014 on a 'fact

finding mission. " 6

Conflict #2: 2015 Priest River Armed Conflict, Bonner County, Idaho

a. Representative Shea in August 2015 traveled to Priest River, Idaho and engaged in an armed conflict
with the US Government Veteran's Administration (VA) in resistance to the planned lawful removal of
firearms from a military veteran whose name had been added to the National Instant Criminal
Background System (NICS) as a person determined by a healthcare professional as not eligible to
purchase firearms. 7
b. Representative Shea posted an "URGENT ACTION ALERT" to his Facebook site and called for
Patriot Movement followers to travel to Priest River, ID and stand with him to prevent the Veterans
Administration (VA) from removing the firearms. 8
c. Representative Shea later posted on his Facebook site that he was "Enroute to Idaho with a convoy of

patriots ... "
d. Representative Shea speaking later, at a rally in Priest River, described the VA's actions as
"bureaucratic terrorism". He claimed that such unconstitutional gun seizures had been going on
throughout the country, and stated, "Today it stops here in Priest River, Idaho." He later went on to say,

Exhibit lA; R23, R204
Exhibit 3A, 38, 3C, 18 ; R30
' R24, R25, R26, R27, R28, R31
5 Wl4, W34, E12X
6 E3C
7 El1A,R43,R44,R123
8 ElF(l)
2
3

7

 "We are telling the Federal government they are going to have to come through us to get to this veteran . "
9

e. Representative Shea was a participant in a detailed operations plan entitled "IDAHO DEPLOYMENT
- Operation Armed Backyard" that resulted in the use of armed militia members who blocked access to
the veteran's home and prevented the lawful retrieval of the guns by the Veterans Administration. 10
Conflict #3: 2016 Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Armed Takeover, Harney Countv, Oregon

a. Representative Shea in his leadership role as Chairman of the Coalition of Western States (COWS)
along with the Liberty For All (LF A) III% - Washington militia leader and other members of COWS
beginning around early November 2015 through January 2, 2016, engaged in conversations with Ammon
Bundy and other militia members in the planning and preparation of the armed takeover of the Malheur
National Wildlife Refuge in Bums, Oregon. I1
b. Representative Shea, in his role as Chairman of COWS, published a press release on December 11,
2015 as a call to action for Patriot Movement members and militias to rally in Hamey County Oregon
against the US Government in support of two lawfully arrested, convicted and sentenced residents of
Harney County who committed crimes against the US Government. 12
c. Representative Shea as Chairman of COWS and identified with "We The People - United Individuals
of these States United: Coalition of Western States (COWS), Pacific Patriot s Network (PPN) Bundy
Family and Supporters, Oregon Oath Keepers , Idaho 111%,Central Oregon Constitutional Guard,
Oregon Tactical, Oregon Bearded Bastards, Liberty Watch Washington, N evada Committ ee for Full
Statehood , Rural Heritage Preservation Proje ct, Liberty for All (LFA) engaged in the preparation, final
approval, support and dissemination of a Redress of Grievance document on December 11, 2015, that was
presented to the Sheriff of Harney County Oregon. Arguments stated within the document included an
assessment that two Harney County residents were victims of cruel and unusual punishment and were not
afforded their rights to due process by the federal government ; blamed Harney County and the State of
Oregon for failing to protect the convicted residents' constitutional rights ; accused the US Government of
abusing the federal court system in achieving its verdicts; asserted the federal investigation was flawed;
accused the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling as a violation of the 5th Amendment; demanded the
Hamey County Oregon Sheriff to take action against the US Government and respond within 5 days or be
considered negligent in his duty, and threatened the Harney County Sheriff would suffer undefined
consequences to follow if he did not conside r the set forth demands. 13
d. Representative Shea on or about January 3, 2016, created a detailed military styled operation plan
entitled "Operation Cold Reality" that included roles and responsibilities of COWS members and militia
leadership in support of the armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Harney County
Oregon.
e. Representative Shea on January 4, 2016 through the use of encrypted email and using codename
"Verumbellator, " covertly disseminated information to COWS member State Representatives from
Washington , Idaho, and Nevada, and to Patriot Movement militia leaders and others , that detailed and
warned of specific law enforcement operations and actions in response to the armed takeover of the
' Rl9, R43, R44
10 W22, W24 , E6A
11

12
13

W9, W2 4, W 28,E2E,E l3 B, E13F, E13G
W22 , W24, W28 , E2A, E28, E2C, E2D, E13G

8

 Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Hamey County Oregon. Representative Shea attached to that
encrypted email a detailed military-styled operations plan entitled "WARNING ORDER- Operation Cold
Reality" that set forth specific instructions to members of COWS, militia leaders and other unidentified
persons also using code names, as to their specific roles and responsibilities in support of the armed
occupiers. Repre entative Shea also detailed his uninvited intentions to travel to Bums, Oregon within
days to follow to support the armed occupation. 14
f. Representative Shea on January 5, 2016, again using codename "Verumbellator" distributed a second
encrypted email and an updated Warning Order to COWS members and militia members using code
names, entitled "Oregon Update" that included the updated military style operations plan "Operation
Cold Reality" containing more specific instructions for COWS member State Representatives from
Washington, Idaho and Nevada to travel to Burns, Oregon on January 9, 2016. 15
g. Representative Shea traveled to Burns, Oregon on January 9, 2016 along with COWS State
Representative members from Washington, Idaho and Oregon; demanded a meeting with the Hamey
County Sheriff who was unavailable; identified himself as a State Representative from Washington; did
not disclose his COWS affiliation; met at the Harney County Courthouse with members of the law
enforcement community to include the Harney County Sheriff's Office, Harney County Administrative
Judge, Harney County District Attorney, Marion County Sheriff's Office and the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI); and insisted on traveling to the refuge with other State Representatives to meet with
Ammon Bundy and the armed occupiers.
h. Representative Shea along with other COWS members pn:sent at the January 9, 2016 meeting at
Harney County, Oregon referred to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as "terrorists;" gathered
intelligence from the January 9, 2016 meeting regarding law enforcement strategies and operations;
traveled from that same meeting to the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge on the same day; and met with
Ammon Bundy and other armed occupiers despite warnings of extreme danger and against the will of law
enforcement and other Oregon state elected officials. 16
i. Representative Shea using the codename "Verumbellator" and between January 6, 20 I 6 through
January 10, 2016 continued as a sender or recipient of 28 combined follow-up covert emails among
COWS and militia members regarding counterintelligence gathered at Burns, Oregon, specific to law
enforcement operations and activities around the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. 17
j. Representative Shea in support ofthe Malheur National Wildlife Refuge armed occupation sometime
between January 4, 2016 and January 27, 2016, sent LFA- Washington III% militia leader Anthony
Bosworth into the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge to meet with Ammon Bundy, and to both report and
gather intelligence to counter law enforcement operations. 18
k. Representative Shea sometime after the February I 1, 2016 ending of the Malheur National Wildlife
Refuge armed occupation, posted to his Facebook page, "After much prayer, I'm afraid violence might be
necessary to take our country back. " 19

14
is
16

17

W9, W22, W24, E21, E2J, E2G
W22, E2J, E2K, E2M, E2N
Wl, W3, WlO, W20, E2R, E2Q, E13C R64, R69, R70, R71, R138
W2.2, E2L

1B

" W7 , Rl1 9, fl128

9

 I. Representative Shea on March 23, 2016, provided a signed statement to the Washington State House of
Representatives Ethics Investigator that he traveled to Bums, Oregon on January 9-10, 2016 on a "fact
finding mission" and that he was "invited" by Oregon elected officials.

F. Summary Determination Other Facts
This investigation also identified the following findings:
Finding #1 - Representative Shea participated in an act of domestic terrorism against the United States
by his actions before and during the armed takeover and standoff at the Malheur National Wildlife
Refuge. "By statute Domestic Terrorism is defined as any act dangerous to human life that violates the
US. criminal laws and appears to be intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, influences
the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion, or affects the conduct of a government by mass
destruction, assassination, or kidnapping. " 20
Finding #2 - Representative Shea engaged in intimidation tactics against a political opponent in
September 2012, posted a photo ofhimselfon his Facebook page while standing in front of the
opponent's residence, and refused to remove the online photo at the request of the opponent, party
affiliates and law enforcement. 21
Finding #3- Representative Shea engaged in secure on line chat using the codename "Verumbe/lator"
from October 29 through December 12, 2017 that included the identification of opposition political
activists, condoned violence and intimidation, and offered to do background checks on named persons in
opposition to his political ideology. 22
Finding #4 - Representative Shea from 2014 through 2019 condoned intimidation by supporters of his
po litica l opposition to include activists, government official , Mu lims, and others who speak or act in
opposition to his personal beliefs and his political agenda .23

Finding #5 - Representative Shea from 2014 through 2017 engaged in counterintelligence gathering and
acted in opposition to the lawful efforts of federal, state and local law enforcement. 24
Finding #6- Representative Shea in 2016 engaged in and supported the training of youth and young
adults to fight a Holy war. 25
Finding #7 - Representative Shea wrote the Biblical Basis for War and advocated the replacement of US
democracy with a theocracy and the killing of all males who do not agree. 26
Finding #8 - Representative Shea engaged in and promoted annual Patriot Movement militia training and
readiness exercises in support of anticipated armed conflicts against federal, state and local governments
and law enforcement. 27

R234
R16, W4, E4A
22 W22,E4B,E4C,E4D,R173,R174,R175,R176,R178,R179,R180,R181,R182,R183,R227,
23 W22, W23, R18, R196
24 E7B,E7C,E7D,E21,R19, R23, R24, R25, 26, R28, R30, R37, R43, R44, R64
25 W22,E6A,E68,E6C,E6D,R151,R152,R205,R206,R207
26 W22,ESA,ESB,ESC,R149,R153,R154,R156,R157,R158, R161,R167,R170,R171,R172,R177,R193,R195,R196,R208,R213,R214, R215,
R216, R217, R218, R220
27 W22,R127,R134,R139,R142,R143,R146,R147,R148,R161,R162,Rl65,R168,Rl70,R184,R185,Rl92,R200,R208,R226
20
21

10

 Details of Investigation
Section 1: Analysis of Key Findings
As stated earlier, Investigators obtained evidence that Representative Shea planned, engaged in, and
promoted a total of three armed conflicts of political violence against the United States (US) Government
in three states outside the State of Washington over a three-year period to include 2014, 2015 and 2016.
The analysis of these conflicts and other incidents are documented below and in date order of occurrence.

Conflict #1: 2014 Armed Standoff Against the US Government, Bunkerville, Nevada
Key Finding #1: Representative Shea traveled to and engaged in the 2014 armed conflict at Bunkerville,
Nevada during April 2014.
Background: On April 5, 2014 Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy, his family and several protestors engaged
in a standoff with the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in defiance of a federal court order after he
refused to pay $1million in past due grazing rights fees for over a 21-year period. Bundy claimed the
Federal Government had no right to own land. 28
On April 9, 2014 Representative Shea dispatched Liberty for All (LFA)-Washington militia leader
Anthony Bosworth, a close associate, to the site of the conflict near Bunkerville, NV to assess the
situation in support of the Bundys. LF A leader Bosworth first sent communications to a militia blog
asking for help then later posted to the blog, "Mission is a go" before departing for the conflict with two
associates at 6:30pm that same day. 29 The Oath Keepers militia announced Representative Shea was
leading a group of state legislators and others to the Bundy ranch in suppot1 of the Bundy standoff.
On April 10, 2014 at 1:47pm Representative Shea posted a callup on the Sipsey Street III% blog
instructing "patriots" to rally at Bunkerville. He wrote:
"We dispatched a group of patriots from Washington State to Nevada to report directly
what is happening on the ground and to be vigil of prayer for peace and freedom at the
Bundy Ranch. Enough is enough. A sniper rifle is not due process and I agree with the
Nevada Governor this is pure intimidation especially since the court case has not even run
its course . NOW IS THE TIME TO STAND." He goes on to ask for prayer for all traveling
to the Bundy Ranch. Then advises the readers,"/ have put out the call to legislators in 5
states to join Representative David Taylor and me in traveling to Nevada in support of
State Assemblywoman Michele Fiore and the Bundy family. " He states in his open letter,
this call out was in conjunction with the call out to the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace
Officers Association (CSPOA) and the Oath Keepers. He also invited all patriots in
Washington and Idaho to travel to Nevada and "Stand against tyranny on the range." He
concluded with, "This involves all of us. It will take all of us to restore a God honoring
Constitutional Republic. "30

,e R9
,o ElA, R23

11

 At the time Representative Shea published his call to arms, there were approximately] 00 local protesters
on site. Less than 24 hour after his call to arms, approximately I 500 armed militia members were on site
in Bunkerville, Nevad a, armed and ready to fight the Federal Government. 31
On April 12, 2014 LFA-Washington militia leader Bosworth posted to the Reagan Wing blog:
" . . . WP. arP receiving int el from lots of credible sources th~ BLM wus still moving in for, if
you will, a ma,<rsac
re and we had live feed of armored vehicles moving in. I got orders to
pull out of the hot zo ne and I sent oUJscouts Lo de/ermine whether we were boxed in or if
we had some safe exit routes. I had orders fr om lvlau Shea to PULL O UT NOW and retreat
across the border . "32

In the same post, speaking about his wife bringing supplies in support of the armed militants, Bosworth
wrote:
"We communicated with her through state representatives so as not to lur. e a direct link to
us here on the ground and told her to NOT A TTEMPT TO COME IN TO THE CAlvlP but to
continue forward and cross into Arizona. If she was to be stopped, she was simply "on
vacation, heading for Arizona."
Representative Shea traveled to the standoff on ApriJ IO - 12, 2014 where he spoke in support of Bundy .
He. along with other state legislators from multipl e tates. joined the prote st in support of Bundy at the
Bundy Ranch . and on April 14, 2014 formed the Coalition of Western State (COWS) with other
legislators and politicians to support land rights issues. Representative Shea was named Chairman of

cows. 33
The armed standoff ca rried with it a sign ificant risk of violence an d bodil harm. Ph sical confrontations
between the BLM and protesters were videotaped and went viral on soc ial media. More ra ncher s joined
the protestors . Militia group s contacted Ammon Bund y, then Bundy s wife went online an d called in
additional militia participants, many ofwhom were prior and ,c tivc milita1y , to includ e The Oath Kee pers,
TIT% Constitutional Sheri ffs and Peace Officers Association CSPOA) and the White Mountain Militia .
The militias appeared at the Bundy ranch in full military-style camoutla ge uniforms eq uipped with long
guns and handguns with the intent to defend the Bundy's position, recov er the Bundy s cattle from the
Federal Gove rnment and vowed to shoot to ki 11any B LM agent, ho er ssed the ir Iine of defense .' 4 As a
re ult, the Federal Government called in the Bureau of Alcohol. Tobacco and Firearms ATF , The Fed era l
Bureau oflnvestigation (FBI), the Governor and Lt. Governor ofNevada, the Las Vegas Metro Police
Department, and the Nevada Highway Patrol. Sensing that bloodshed and potentia l civil war was
inevitable . BLM authoritie s called for agents and law enforcement officers to sta nd down and free the
catt le. Thi emboldened the militia . the Patr iot Movement and the Bundys as a win against the Federal
Government.
Repr ese ntativ e hea s actions in the armed sta ndoff at Bunk erville reveal evidence of his plannin g and
promoting po litical violence against employee · of the US Government and law enforcement officers who
were lawfully attempting to exec ute a federal court order.

31

32

ElD, ElE
ElD

E3C,R24,R26,R27,R28
" R124
33

12

 The three-week armed standoff ended without bloodshed. Cliven Bundy and 18 others were indicted on
Federal charges. All charges against Cliven Bundy, Ammon Bundy, Ryan Bundy and a co-defendant
were dismissed with prejudice. The cases are currently under appeal as of Nov. 8, 2019.
On June 22, 2014, following the April end to the Bunkerville standoff, Representative Shea attended a
meeting at a Spokane area Mexican Restaurant with at least 4 other men. 35 One man was identified as
Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers and another is known as Elias Alias, an officer of Oath
Keepers and prominent blogger for the organization. During the meeting, W34 overheard the men
discussing militia, weapons, stockpiling ammunition, Bundy Ranch, Special Forces and snipers. They
passed around what was believed to be a night vision scope and a map. The names Stewart Rhoades and
Ryan Payne were overheard during the meeting and the witnesses, fearing the men were planning a
domestic terror attack, reported the incident to law enforcement after photographing the participants.
Representative Shea, Rhodes and Elias Alias participated in the armed standoff at Bunkerville and can be
clearly identified in the photos.

Conllict#2: 2015 Priest River Armed ConJlict. Bonner Countv, Idaho
Key Finding #2: Representative Shea traveled to and engaged in the 2015 armed conflict at Priest River,
Idaho.

Background: In August 2015 an elderly veteran of Priest River, ID who had suffered a stroke resulting in
a healthcare professional adding his name to the National Instant Criminal Background System (NICS) as
a person not eligible to purchase firearms. The veteran was notified by the Veterans Administration (VA)
that a VA employee would come to his home to inspect and remove his firearms pursuant to VA
regulations for individuals receiving VA benefits. 36
a. Representative Shea called for Patriot Movement followers to come to Priest River, ID and stand with
the Veteran to prevent the VA from removing his firearms.
b. On August 6, 2015 at 7:32am, Representative Shea posted a call to action on his Facebook site entitled
"URGENT ACTION ALERT" that stated:

"The federal government is going to attempt the gun confiscation of a Vietnam War
Veteran. The VA is going to conduct a check for and confiscate his guns based on nothing
more than a stroke which has left him with some mild physical impairment . After
evaluating the VA claims and letters and getting information.from the head of the Amrrican
Legion Auxiliary in Bonner County, it is clear this is not warranted. WE CANNOT LET
THIS STAND. THE SEIZURE OF THE GUNS OF ONE OF US ... IS THE SEIZURE OF
THE GUNS OF ALL OF US. PLEASE ATTEND IF AT ALL POSSIBLE. RIGHT NOW WE
HA VE LEGISLATORS AND CITIZENS FROM WASHINGTON AND IDAHO HEADED TO
THE LOCATION REP. Heather Scott HAS ASKED US ALL FOR HELP SINCE THIS IS
HER DISTRICT AND I WILL STAND BY HER.
In Freedom ,
Matt Shea" 37

35

E12X

'6

R43, R44,

"E llA

13

 c. At 8:53am Representative Shea posted "Enroute to Idaho with a convoy of patriots ... "
d. Representative Shea spoke later that day at a rally then posted updates to his Facebook site again
following his speech. 38 Reports indicated that approximately 100 individuals showed up , many armed,
and stood with Representative Shea , at the veteran ' s home to prevent the VA employee from entering.
Representative Shea can be heard in a YouTube video of his speech at the rally referring to the VA ' s
actions as "bureaucratzc terrorism " and claimed such gun se izures have been going on throughout the
country and "Today it stops here in Priest River, Idaho" then goes on to say later in his speech, "Today

we are telling the Federal government they are going to have to come through us to get to this veteran. "
Representative Shea has spoken publicly of the incident and claimed credit for organizing the
confrontation. 39
In the course of this investigation, Investigators obtained a document entitled "IDAHO DEPLOYMENT
- Operation Aimed Backyard" 40 The operations plan is segmented into 9 sections as follows:
1. Strategy
2. Goals
3. Message
4. Immediate Action
5. Plan - Advance Party
6. 0/0 implement Media Plan
7. Establish Radio & T.V presence with friendly hosts.
8. 0/0 - Organize Civilian Action Teams
9. 0/0 Implement Medical
In sections 4 and 5 of the operations plan initials are assigned to action items . Representative Shea is
known to frequently use the code name "Verumbellator" on confidential communications with close
associates and frequently signs communications "VB". The following action items bear the initials VB :

Section 4 Immediate Action:
a. Establish Timeline (Make sure people aren 't waiting around) - VB
b. Identify Two Rally Sites : Pre-Meeting , Citizens - VB
e. Pre-Meeting between C&C and local liaisons - VB
d. Establish and disseminate Task List. - VB
e. Create sign messages. Print Signs, Build Crosses. - VB
Section 5 Plan:
ii . Identify Attorney Team for Defense - VB
Other initials found in the document attached to action items include AB, JJS, Rep. H. Scott, BB, Barb C,
and DR. AB is believed to refer to Anthony Bosworth, head of the LFA -Washington 3% militia and
close associate of Representative Shea; JJS is believed to refer to John Jacob Schmidt, an alias used by
Jack Robertson, an actor in the militia movement and close associate of Representative Shea; and Rep . H.
Scott is believed to refer to Representative Heather Scott, Idaho, State Representative who has actively
supported Patriot Movement political issues. The initials BB, Barb C, and DR remain unidentified.
It is more probable than not that individuals involved in the planning and execution of the Priest River
incident were preparing for a conflict that carried with it significant risk of violence . Some of those
action items include the following:

38

R44

" R225
'0

E118

14

 Section
Section
Section
Section
Section
Section
Section
Section
Section
Section

4, item iii. Cheat Sheet w/ Key Numbers (Bail, Media, Leaders)- AB
4, item h. Establish Secure Communications and Intercept. - JJS
4, item n. Establish Reporting Center/ Intelligence Hub. -AB
5, item e. There are three routes in. Set up early warning LP/OP. - AB
5, item h. Establish evacuation routes. - AB
5, item iii. Identify Patriot Bail Bondsmen. - Rep. Scott
6, item vi. No rifles visible. Leaders preferably concealed pistol.
6, item c. Identify multiple resupply routes.
6, item e. Establish procedures for evacuation and contingency resupply.
9, 0/0 Implement Medical:
a. Establish aid station and identify trained medical personnel.
b. Identify all capable pastors and clergy.
c. Identify multiple evacuation routes.
d. Establish procedures for evacuation & emergency communications.

The document entitled, "IDAHO DEPLOYMENT - Operation Armed Backyard" offers evidence of
planning and coordination with others for an operation that Representative Shea understood could lead to
violence and could develop into a protracted engagement with the Federal government as experienced in
his earlier Bunkerville standoff.
Conflict #3: 2016 Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Armed Takeover, HarnevCounty, Oregon
Key Finding #3: Representative Shea along with other COWS members and Ammon Bundy engaged in
phone calls and planned the 2016 takeover ofthe Malheur National Wildlife Refuge; engaged in the
conflict by directing COWS members and militias in support of the takeover, and traveled to Bums,
Oregon and met with refuge armed occupiers contrary to appeals and warnings from law enforcement and
Oregon state elected officials. 41
Background: Representative Shea was on site and supported Cliven Bundy and his son, Ammon Bundy,
during the April 2014 Bunkerville armed standoff against the Federal Government. In late 2015, Ammon
Bundy and the COWS organization supported Ranchers Dwight Hammond and Steven Hammond of
Harney County Oregon who were convicted for arsons they committed on federal lands in June 2012. The
Hammonds were initially sentenced to less than the minimum required 5-year prison sentences. The
Federal Government appealed the less-than-minimum sentences and the case was heard by the 9th circuit
Court of Appeals. The court found for the Federal Government and applied the mandatory minimum 5year sentences with credit for time served. The Hammonds were scheduled to begin serving the
remainder of their sentences on January 4, 2016, two days after the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge
armed takeover. The Hammond's case became a significant issue for the Patriot Movement with its
nexus to its favored political agenda items including lands rights issues, perceived overreach of the
Federal Government and the constitutionalist view that the Sheriff is the highest law enforcement officer
in the land with the Federal Government having no jurisdiction over the states. 42

The issue drew the attention of Ammon Bundy, Ryan Payne and COWS. Ammon Bundy is the son of
Cliven Bundy who Representative Shea supported during the Bunkerville armed standoff against agents
of the BLM and other law enforcement officers in 2014. Ryan Payne is a leader of the Montana militia

..
~, R48

15

 and founder of Operation Mutual Defense, an umbrella organization that coordinates and provides
personnel and support to militia tactical operations.

Investigators Interview of the Sheriff Harney County
Investigators interviewed Sheriff Dave Ward, Harney County, Oregon, in this matter and he provided the
following information:
In November 2015, Ammon Bundy and Ryan Payne began attempting to convince Sheriff Ward to
intercede on behalf of the Hammonds to prevent them from being returned to federal prison. Bundy and
Payne issued an ultimatum to Sheriff Ward that, "If you don't do your job, we will bring thousands of
people here to do yourjob for you." They went on to state that they would create "extreme civil unrest in
the community." Payne then told the sheriff, "We won't be able to control what they might do." As they
left the office, Ryan Payne told the Sheriff, "I don't want to have to come backfrom Montana. " It is more
probable that not that Payne was referring to a call up for militia groups to gather at Burns, Oregon as a
show of force against the Sheriff.
According to the Sheriff, on the same day within one hour of leaving the meeting with Bundy and Payne,
Richard Mack, a member of COWS and associate of Representative Sh~a who Investigators identified as
the head of the Constitutional Sheriffs and Police Officers Association (CSPOA), called the Sheriff and
extended an offer in dealing with the government overreach in the Hammond case. Mack spoke very
highly of the Bundy family.
Assemblywoman Michele Fiore, Nevada, identified as a close associate of Representative Shea and
member of COWS also called the Sheriff that same week in support the Sheriff stepping in to prevent the
Hammonds from going back to federal prison. The call ended and he heard nothing further from her. The
COWS organization that is Chaired by Representative Shea, is included in a list of organizations that
made formal demands to the Sheriff in a document entitled "Redress of Grievance" emailed and hand
delivered to Sheriff Ward weeks later.
By November 17, 2015 the Sheriffs Office was flooded with anonymous phone calls with profanity,
name calling, threats of violence and the accusations that the Sheriff was failing to uphold his oath of
office. The volume of calls overwhelmed the dispatch center and prevented 911 dispatchers from being
able to address real emergency calls.
On November 19, 2015, Ammon Bundy returned to Sheriff Ward's office with 10 additional men, six
who were armed. The group included members of the Oath Keepers Militia, Pacific Patriots Network
Militia, Bearded Bastards Militia, Idaho III% militia, Central Oregon Constitutional Guard Militia,
Operation Mutual Defense and Bundy family and friends. According to the Sheriff, several persons in the
group mentioned they had participated in the earlier Sugar Pine Mine incident in Josephine County
Oregon. The incident was an armed standoff between the Oath Keepers militia, III% militia and the BLM
that occurred as a result of an unpermitted mining operation. 43
During the discussion the group told the Sheriff, "We will bring more people to town than your.four
deputies can handle. " They also told the sheriff they would deploy into Harney County and remain selfsufficient without re-supply for several weeks. Bundy and Payne spoke of tyranny, government
overreach, intimidation and the grabbing of lands by the federal government against the Hammonds . They
still demanded the Sheriff stand up for the Hammonds against the government. Bundy gave the Sheriff
another ultimatum and told him he had one week to do the right thing or ··we 're going to do it for you." Jt

'' R230

16

 is more probable than not that Bundy was referring to an incursion of militias into Harney County led by
COWS. The Sheriff refused Bundy's ultimatum and he and his family began to be the subject of social
media attacks and the subjects of threats and intimidation.
Jn December 2015 Burns, Oregon, the Harney County Seat, was overrun with heavily armed militia
members who filled all available hotel rooms and campgrounds and then openly threatened US Fish and
Wildlife employees, the Sheriff, local political leaders and their families and local Burns citizens in their
protest against Federal land management and treatment of the Hammonds. Militia members made threats
against anyone speaking out against Bundy and Payne and began pushing their agenda at coffee meetings.
They showed up at local churches to get support and handed out flyers at grocery stores. The Sheriff told
lnvestigators that militia members committed obvious traffic violations to provoke traffic stops to set up
opportunities to create confrontations with law enforcement. Militia members switched license plates on
their vehicles and harassed and frightened local citizens by following them in their cars.
On December 7, 2015 Ryan Payne returned to the Sheriff's office and repeated his demands and threats.
According to Sheriff Ward, when it became obvious that he would not support the militias and interfere
with the Hammond's return to prison, Bundy and Payne tried to rent a building to surveil the Sheriffs
office. Intelligence received by Sheriff Ward informed him that the militias had put out calls for shooters
and armed bodyguards to protect Ammon Bundy and Ryan Payne with the use of lethal force to prevent
their arrest. They also posted on social media their intent to camp out at the Hammond's house and guard
them from law enforcement.
The Sheriff told investigators that Ryan Payne again returned to his office on December 11, 2015 armed
with a firearm. He complained to the Sheriff that his (the Sheriff's) parents had threatened him at the
American Legion. Payne then accused the Sheriff of threatening him through his parents. Payne told the
Sheriff the Feds would send threats in order to poison his mind against them. The Sheriff also received an
email from a "Patriot" group that had been discussing his abduction and delivery for a trial on charges of
treason.
Also, on December 11, 2015, Sheriff Ward received a letter from the Hammonds' Attorney stating that
the Hammonds intended to turn themselves in on January 4, 2016 and that Ammon Bundy nor anyone
else speaks for the Hammond family. That same day, the Bundy Family issued on their website, and
Ammon Bundy and hand delivered to the Sheriff, a document entitled "Redress ofGrievance"from "We
the People - United Individuals of these States United: Coalition of Western States (COWS), Pacific
Patriot Network (PPN), Bundy Family and Supporters, Oregon Oath Keepers, Idaho II/%, Central
Oregon Constitutional Guard, Oregon Tactical, Oregon Bearded Bastards, Liberty Watch Washington,
Nevada Committee for Full Statehood, Rural Heritage Preservation Project and Liberty For All" to
Governor Kate Brown, Governor of Oregon and other Harney County Oregon ofjicials. 44 Metadata
shows the document was authored by Ammon Bundy beginning on December 8, 2015, and finalized on
December 11, 2015. The grievance accused the US Government of abusing the Federal Court system and
acting outside the US Constitution in charging and convicting Dwight and Steven Hammond of Federal
crimes. Based upon the legal and constitutional underpinnings of the document to include Revolutionary
War era legal language as a right to petition grievances and to make a complaint, it is more probable than
not that the "Redress of Grievance" was co-authored with Ammon Bundy, COWS Chairman
Representative Shea and COWS Legal Counsel KrisAnne Hall.

44

E2A, E2B, E2C, 2D, W28, R52

17

 COWS Press Release
On this same date, December 11, 2015, the COWS organization that was founded and is chaired by
Representative Shea, issued a press release in support of the Hammonds and accused the BLM of
"Continuing to engage in a literal, intentional conspiracy to deprive ranchers and farmers of their
property rights throughout the west." 45 The Press release further stated, "This is war on rural America",
a statement used by Representative Shea at the Bundy standoff in 2014.
December 2015 Phone Calls between Ammon Bundy and COWS
COWS members, to include Representative Shea, participated in a total of four meetings with Ammon
Bundy that took place within three to five days in advance of the armed takeover. The preplanning of the
armed takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is corroborated by trial testimony given by
occupier Blaine Cooper who cooperated with the US Government and testified that a secret meeting was
held with Ammon Bundy, and other occupiers Jason Patrick, Jon Ritzheimer, Joe O'Shaughnessy, Corey
Lequieu, Ryan Payne and BJ Soper in late December 2015 to discuss the takeover of the refuge. The
meeting was so secret that Bundy told those assembled to tum off their cellphones and leave laptop
computers outside and away from the meeting. Cooper said he was at the meeting that took place and
discussion included the Sheriff's refusal to assist the Hammonds, the rally scheduled for January 2, 2016
and the upcoming armed takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Representative Shea's and
COWS' participation in the preplanning meetings with Bundy was confirmed by information provided by
three witnesses.
The Armed Takeover
On January 2, 2016, during a planned demonstration in support of the Hammonds, a group of armed,
militia members broke off from the demonstration and took over the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.~6
The action was portrayed as a spontaneous act, but this investigation has obtained information that the
armed takeover was meticulously planned in December 2015 by conspirators that included Representative
Shea.
Representative Shea's Planning and Engagement in the Armed Takeover
■ provided information to Investigators that Representative Shea and his close associate, Anthony
Bosworth, LFA Washington III% militia leader, along other COWS members, participated in four
telephone meetings in advance of the takeover with Ammon Bundy and other militia members to plan the
armed takeover of the Malheur refuge. This information was indepen dent! corroborated
In that meeting Lisa Bundy expressed her concerns that Anthony Bosworth, who she then
feared was an FBI informant, had participated in the four meetings to plan the armed takeover .
Additional documentary evidence discovered during this investigation revealed that Representative Shea
also authored and circulated an operations plan directed for use by militias and COWS members at the
standoff. He also sent LF A Washington III% leader Bosworth into the occupied Malheur compound
without the knowledge of law enforcement , then directed his activities during the standoff as well as the
activities of others through Bosworth . Bosworth later posted to Facebook, "LFA is taking orders directly
from COWS. "47

., E2E,W24, RSl
"RS3
47 E2S, E2H

18

 On January 4, 2016, at I :25am, Representative Shea, sent an email to a select group of 15 private
individuals using code names. The email was sent over the encrypted email platform ProtonMail. 48 The
email was entitled "Subject: "Warning Order - Operation Cold Reality" and contained an attachment
identified as "Warning Order.docx." Copies of the email and document were provided to Investigators in
August 2019, by W22, who was an original recipient of Representative Shea's email. Investigators
determined through metadata search that the document was created and saved as a Word document file
entitled "Warning Order - Operation Cold Reality- Important Burns Opp Order.doc" on January 3, 2016,
at 9:29pm Pacific . 49
W'22 identified him/herself by code name on the email from "Verumbellator" (Representative Shea) and
identified the other 14 recipients as:
•
•

•
•
•

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

"desertscout I" - a codename for Cope Reynolds whom W22 identified to be a resident of
the State of Arizona and a known supporter of the COWS
"scoutirish" - a codename for Anthony Bosworth, leader of the LFA Washington III%
militia, a close associate of Representative Shea who provides armed security for him at
rallies and other events .
W22 did not know email recipient libertasveritasl@protonmail.com
..
mcknife@protonmail.ch -a codename for Steve McLaughlin, who was a Republican
candidate for Washington Commissioner of Public Lands in the 2016 elections.
en::enbean @ proronmail.com - codename for Representative Heather Scott, Idaho, who is a
member of COWS and associate of Representative Shea. In November 19, 2015,
Representative Shea responded to a WA State Representative in an email, "She's one of
us. "50 It is more probable than not that he was referring to Representative Scott as a member
of COWS and the Patriot Movement.
johnjacob@protonmail.ch
- a codename for Jack Robertson of Radio Free Redoubt, who
uses the alias "John Jacob Schmidt."
libertyftrst@protonmail.com
- a codename for KrisAnne Hall, a Constitutional scholar and
Tea Party figure who is also a member of COWS and serves as the COWS Legal Advisor.
'VIPERCAPSA " - a codename for former Representative Graham Hunt, WA.
"snowmanx" - a codename for Eric Stagg, the leader of the Central Washington Lower
Valley Assembly
W22 could not identify email recipient commsauv@prolonmail.
h.
W22 could not identify email recipient ericl (@protonrnail.ch.
abyrd4usa@protonmail.ch
is the email address of Anne Byrd, co-founder of the Marble
Community Fellowship, Stevens County, Washington.
Excubitor@protonrnail.ch
- codename for Lyle Rapacki , the Vice Chairman of COWS.
mambrosino@protonmail.com
- the codename for Assemblywoman Michele Fiore,
Nevada, who is also the Nevada Coordinator for COWS.

In Representative

Shea's email he advised the recipients as follows :

"Please see the Warning Order attached. Please pay attention to and abide by the
classification. This is a military style planning brief Please use this as a standard form in
the future. We are receiving intel right now that arrest warrants are signed and the FBI
strike team is preparing to dramatically escalate. We are waiting till tomorrow morning

E21,W22
E2M
so E2Y
48

49

19

 to evaluate the situation and make the call up. If you are not familiar with the REDCON
Status then contact me via WICKR. 51 The call up will go out over WICKR and Proton 52 .
That's when the timer starts. Please confirm you are available to be part of the
delegation and receipt of this message. P.S. The Chinese Stock Market just Crashed and
they are suspending trading. Pray hard tonight!
The message was signed "V/B Resistance tv tyranny is ubeclience tu Guel."
The Warning Order document attached to the email entitled "WARNING ORDER- Operation Cold
Reality", consisting of3 pages, was classified on each page as "CONFIDENTIAL- Send/Store Via
Encrypted Means Only." Investigators are familiar with operations plans from prior law enforcement
experience and determined the document was prepared in military fashion using standard law
enforcement and military format known as the SMEAC model - Situation, Mission, Execution,
Administration Logistics, Command and Control protocol.
Representative Shea described the "Situation" at Burns, Oregon as the FBI having control and that a
"swift resolution" is the intent of government forces, that the situation will dramatically escalate on
"tomorrow" January 4, 2016", indicating to investigators the WARNING Order was written on January 3,
2016. Representative Shea also stated , "The President agenda this week is gun control and the actions of
those on the ground currently in Burns will be used to further that agenda. The government's after action
review following the Bundy Ranch indicate they will not allow another Patriot success and the likelihood
of violenc:e on the part of the government is high. "
In the document, Representative Shea goes on to refer to "Bundy" and the fact there are about "a dozen
''patriots" occupying the wildlife refuge with the intent to continue doing so indefinitely. " He refers to the
"Three Percent Movement (National)" and that "Mike V. (Mike Vanderboegh) has called for a team of
negotiators to go to Burns ... and that members are preparing to fight locally. " Representative Shea then
references the Oath Keepers (National) and indicates there has been an order to stand down but many are
ignoring the order.
In the WARNING ORDER, Representative Shea addressed the "Mission" of the operation and states,
"Be prepared to deploy COWS/AmRRON, LWWA, LFA negotiating teams to Burns on 2 hours' notice."
Tn the "Execution" phase of the operation Representative Shea addressed the "Intent" as "Conclude a
peaceful resolution to the situation and re-establish legitimate Patriot leadership over the movement.
Force the ELM to address its utter failure as an agency and embolden people at the state and local level
to reclaim ground for liberty."

The Execution Strategy of the operation as stated by Representative Shea in the operations plan included
the following:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Prayer coverage
Putting pressure on Federal, state and local officials to address ELM tyranny
Expose them as tyrants, by making them act like tyrants,
Establish real-time communications and redundancy
Confront and highlight illegal government action at eve,y turn
Place blame squarely on ELM

WICKR is an instant messaging application that allows users to exchange end-to-end encrypted and content-expiring messages.
Proton refers to ProtonMall, an end-to-end encrypted email service using client-side encryption to protect email contents and user data
before being sent to Proton Mail servers, unlike other common email providers such as Gmail and Outlook.com. Source: Wlklpedla

51
52

20

 7. Go on offense in media, court and political arena
Throw up as many obstacles to violent action by the government as possible.

8.

Representative Shea presented 5 goals of the operation:
1. Peaceful resolution. No one hurt. Prevent the government from doing something stupid
2. ELM stands down, issues an apology for all abusive actions
3. Public opinion swayed to our side
4. Citizens emboldened and educated to rally to change and organize on local level
5. Re-establish legitimate leadership over Patriot Movement.

W22 was included as a recipient of his email because each recipient was given specific assignments in the
WARNING ORDER - Operation Cold Reality document. Representative Shea specifically instructed
W22 in the document to "Prepare, plan and finalize security detail and detail plan for 5 legislators."
Instructions from Representative Shea to W22 also included, "On order, deploy with 3 hours' notice.
Deploy security detail . Identify possible Patriot Bondsmen. On order coordinate housing /hotels for
negotiation team. Be prepared to sweep all meeting rooms. "
Representative Shea detailed specific "Tasks to Organizations" that included instructions for the "LFA "
known by W22 to be the LFA- Washington III% militia headed by Anthony Bosworth; "LWWA ",
known by the witness as Liberty Watch Washington , headed by Steve McLaughlin; "AmRRON" known
by the witness to be the American Radio Redoubt Operations Network; ''Marble" whom witness knew to
be Anne and Barry Byrd of the Marble Community Fellowship in Stevens County, Washington; and the
Coalition of Western States or COWS, regarding rapid deployment of these named groups to Burns,
Oregon to "conduct reconnaissance, establish a social media communications messaging network , collect
intelligence on law enforcement and government operations, establish evacuation routes, establish
counterintelligence and counter recon teams, establish a command post, identify a press briefing and
press conference area, establish emergency signals and code word plans, establish a communications
intercept plan , establish an emergency blackout communications plan that would still allow live audio
and broadcast feed, prepare a local radio station for news broadcasts . ''
Specific COWS instructions ordered by Representative Shea included "coordinating a negotiating team
of elected officials, pastors and law enforcement, deploy COWS to Burns, Oregon, issue press release
upon deployment, bring sound system and stage background , bring emergency medical supplies, food and
water, conduct morning , afternoon and evening public briefs , refi1te all rumors, give concrete examples of
aggression (government), create public information page on Facebook and Twitter, establish an uplink
for real time video feeds, conduct routine interviews with ji·iendly media, establish radio and TV presence
with friendly hosts, coordinate follow on elected officials, peace officers, pastors, and other grassroots
leaders to arrive as needed. "
The WARNING ORDER - Operation Cold Reality document from Representative Shea also included
detailed coordinating instructions around readiness conditions; priority intelligence requirements intended
to gather intelligence on the government, and law enforcement deployment of drones, armored vehicles,
aircraft, SWAT, snipers, National Guard.
Representative Shea instructed that ''PIRs will change and be modified as the situation dictates. They are
priority traffic and (f observed must be reported via a secured medium to codenames Scout, Fax519 and
Verumbellator. Rules of Engagement, Messaging, Timeline, Logistics to include travel, lodging,

21

 food/water, Medevac, Command & Signal, Succession of Command and Locations, all ofwhich are more
detailed in WARNING ORDER. "

On January 5, 2016 at 3 :00pm, W22 was a recipient of a second email concerning Malheur from
codename verumbe llator@protonmail.corn aka Representative Shea, entitled "Oregon Update." 53 The
email included an updated "Opord" or Operations Order consisting of 4 pages and was addressed to
unidentified persons Iibertasverilas I @protonmai I.com and countvgree n@protonmail.com .
W22 identified recipients of the January 5, 2016 email as follows:
1. libertyfirst@protonmail.ch, aka KrisAnne Hall, COWS Legal Advisor
2. greenbean@protonmail.com, aka Rep Heather Scott, Idaho and COWS member
3. desertscoutl@protonmail.ch, aka Cope Reynolds, Arizona and COWS member
4. scoutirish@protonmail.com, aka Anthony Bosworth LFA-WA TII militia and COWS member
5. mcknife@protonmail.ch, aka Steve McLaughlin, LWWA and COWS member
6. johnjacob@protonmail.ch, aka John Jacob Schmidt, aka Jack Robertson
7. viperacapsa@protonmail.com, aka Rep Graham Hunt, WA and COWS member
8. snowmanx@protonmail.ch, aka Eric Stag
9. comsguy@protonmail.ch, (unidentified)
10. erict73@protonmail.ch, (unidentified)
11. abyrd4usa@protonmail.com, aka Anne and Barry Byrd
12. excubitor@protonmail.ch, aka Lyle Rapacki, COWS
13. mabrosino@protonmail.com, aka Rep Michele Fiore, Nevada and COWS
14. commsguy @protonmail.com, u·nidentified
15. erict73 @protonmail.ch, unidentified
The email contents were very specific to what W22 knew to be pertaining to an update regarding the
armed takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge that occurred on January 2, 2016 at Hamey
County, Oregon.
" Verumbellator" aka Representative Shea stated in the email "All teams are organizing and almost
reait o de.
,." He continued with "We have good confirmation of the facts on the ground" . According
to
and
Anthony Bosworth, LFA-WA ITT¾ leader was deployed by Representative Shea to Burns,
Oregon during the week of January 4, 2016 and was possibly the source of intelligence oflaw
enforcement activities and actions on the ground.

Representative Shea went on to say in the email, "Ranchers are in support of us, but feel they cannot be
publicly (2 of our contacts said this) " .... "Just today we identified a possible State Rep in Oregon and
County Commissioner that may be on board and request our help. The County Commissioner has not
called me yet and I am calling the State Rep this afternoon. We cannot go in there as more outsiders. "
According to W22, Representative Shea's comments to the email recipients indicated that he was looking
for what he referred to as "local buy in" and that he was proactively attempting to solicit an invitation
from either an Oregon State Representative or County Commissioner "That may be on board to request
our help" so as not to appear as going in as uninvited and as "more outsiders " as further stated by
Representative Shea Representative Shea continued in the email, "It is important to be precise here so
we recapture the message . " It is more probable than not that Representative Shea was referring to the
Patriot Movement fight against government control of lands.

53

E2K, E 2J, W22

22

 Representative Shea also stated in the January 5, 2016 email, "The Feds want to draw as many rogue
elements to the site as possible to destroy the patriot movement from a PR perspective to justify them
calling us all domestic terrorists and cracking down. This is an intentional bait and switch and they need
time for everyone to get into the trap. " It is here that Representative Shea acknowledges his participation
in the anti-government Patriot Movement ~ith "Us" used in the email language referring to Patriot
Movement members and "them" referring to the US Government.
Representative Shea went on to speak against the "Feds" and stated that it is the intent of the Federal
Government "To perform a violent retaking of the refuge." He warned the email recipients "Not to be
fooled into thinking they (Federal Government) want no violence." He further stated that the government
will "Escalate to a full blown violent retaking of the refuge."
Representative Shea also outlined "ACTION ITEMS/FRAGO," meaning fragmented operation, and told
the recipients of the email to "Stay calm and continue working the plan in case we need to deploy. That
means finish all the tasks in the WARNING ORDER" (attached to the January 5, 2016, "Oregon Update"
email.)
In the same January 5, 2016 email, Representative Shea also instructed "VIPERCAPSA" whom W22
identified to be former Representative Graham Hunt, Washington, by stating in the email, "I have a
plane. VIPERCAPSA the plane is near you. Be prepared to embark via Olympia airport ." This messaging
to VTPERCAPSA from Representative Shea led W22 to believe Representative Shea was intent on going
to the I Iarney County Oregon armed standoff even if not invited by Oregon state officials or law
enforcement on the scene.
Representative Shea also asked "COUNTYGREEN (unidentified) we need a county commissioner are you
available to come up if we deploy?"
Representative Shea went on in the January 5, 2016 email to direct "Scout", known by W22 as Anthony
Bosworth to have the advance party "ready ASAP" that included Marble and a member from SnowmanX .
Representative Shea concluded the email with drawing attention to the "GUIDELINES" that included
eight points: prayer coverage, research facts, get commitment.from the people directly affected by the
Federal Government's unlawful actions, build public support, establish a local Assembly with a
Committee of Correspondence and Committee of Safety and concludes with sign off, "VIE Resistance to
tyranny is obedience to God. "
The updated OPORD or Operations Order, attached to the January 5, 2016 email followed the same
military-styled protocol but provided more detail as developments occurred within the 24-hour period.
Representative Shea advised the "Situation" as gradually escalating and the FBI has four arrest warrants.
He reported that the FBI had set up a command post at the Burns Airport and there were somewhere
between 40-50 armed federal agents "sighted at various times. " He goes on to state, "It has been
confirmed nationally that the FBI's sole purpose right now is to gather intelligence and identify links
between patriot groups.
Representative Shea reported that as of January 5, 2016 there were approximately "2 dozen patriots"
occupying the refuge with the intent to do so indefinitely and that they rejected the Sheriffs offer to
leave. Representative Shea referred to the Local Committee of Safety established by Ammon Bundy and

23

 Ryan Payne on Jan 4, 2016) as being "split on them leaving but unanimous in support of fighting the
BLM and using the national stage to do so". 54
Representative Shea's updated "Mission" included, "Be prepared to deploy COWS, AmRRON, LWWA
and LFA negotiating team to Burns, Oregon no later than 12:00pm, 9 January 2016 in order to facilitate
a peaceful resolution to the situation ..:.' The "Execution" protocol called for "Re-establishing legitimate
Patriot leadership over the movement" and to "Force BLM to address it's utter failure as an agency and
embolden people at the state and local level to reclaim ground for liberty."
The updated version of the OPORD addressed specific instructions for the COWS members not included
in the January 4, 2016 WARNING ORDER Operation Cold Reality (Vl ). Specific instructions included
the following:
"Coordinate negotiation team to include elected officials, pastors, and law enforcement; deploy
negotiation team to Burns, Oregon; issue press release regarding deployment; coordinate hotel for 10 12 individuals in Burns, Oregon, bring sound system and stage background, bring emergency medical
supplies, food and water, conduct morning afternoon and evening public briefs, refute all rumors, give
concrete examples of aggression (government), finish with positives , conduct leaders conference all
meeting no later than 2000 hr, establish uplink for real time video feeds and establish radio and TV
presence with friendly hosts . "
Representative Shea also added "Coordinating Instructions" for COWS and security details to include.
Greenbean, aka Rep Heather Scott, Idaho; Mambrosino, aka Assemblywoman Michele Fiore, Nevada;
and Vipercapsa, aka Rep Graham Hunt, Washington. Representative Shea instructed Rep Hunt to,
"coordinate flight with Wingdude via Wickr directly. "
Representative Shea updated the "Timeline" to include Marble deployment on January 7, 2016;
Am RR ON Deployment on January 8, 2016; Public affairs team established January 8, 2016; security
detail linkup with Verumbellator, aka Representative Shea, in Spokane on January 9, 4:30am and all
parties linkup in Burns Oregon at 1200 on January 9, 2016 and redeployment at 0900 on January 10,
2016.
Lastly, Representative Shea addressed "Succession in Command" and listed "Team Leaders COWS,
AmRRON, ADVON/MST (Main Security Team), Security Detail, QRT". (unidentified)
Representative Shea continued sending and receiving a combined total of28 emails from members of his
group concerning the armed standoff in the ensuing eight days from January 4 through January 11, 2016.
Representative Shea's Travel to The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Armed Takeover
On January 9, 2016, Representative Shea traveled to Burns, Oregon along with COWS State
Representative members from Washington, Idaho and Oregon. Judge Steve Grasty who was the Harney
County Judge from January 1, 1999 through December 31, 2016, advised Rampart Group LLC
Investigators he learned on January 9, 20 I 6 that Oregon State Representative Dallas Heard was traveling
to Bums, Oregon with a group on a "fact finding" mission concerning the occupation of the refuge.
Representative Cliff Bentz, now Oregon State Senator, was the Representative of the District that
included Harney County in January 2016.

"'W28

24

 Senator Bentz was contacted during this investigation and advised the Investigator that Representative
Dallas Heard called him from his mobile phone on January 9, 2016 to tell him he was enroute to a
meeting in then Representative Bentz's district, and that he had a group of Representatives from multiple
states who would be joining him for a meeting with Sheriff Dave Ward. Representative Bentz, who did
not attend the meeting and referred to the armed takeover as an insurrection that should be left to law
enforcement , was angered by Representative Heard's involvement. He told Representative Heard in clear
terms to stay away from his district and not involve himself further in the armed takeover situation.
Representative Heard proceeded to the meeting contrary to Representative Bentz's instructions, but later
when asked who invited them, Representative Shea told the local government and law enforcement
officials they had been invited by local politicians but did not reveal Heard as the politician. The meeting
with Harney County officials and law enforcement officials was recorded by participants in the meeting
and was later shared with the Oregon news media. 55
Judge Grasty agreed to meet at his office with Representative Heard and the group in Sheriff Ward's
absence. He invited law enforcement representatives to include the Marion County Sheriff, the Harney
County District Attorney, a representative from the FBI and the Harney County Sheriff's Office, and his
wife, whom he was unwilling to leave at home alone. Representative Heard and the group appeared at
Judge Grasty' s office at 11am on January 9, 2016. It was then that he learned the identities of the group.
Representative Shea introduced himself as State Representative Matt Shea from Washington. Others
introduced themselves as Representative Graham Hunt, Washington; Representative Heather Scott, Idaho;
Representative Sage Dixon, Idaho; Representative Judy Boyle, Idaho; Assemblywoman Michele Fiore,
Nevada who was on the phone; and Representative Dallas Heard, Oregon.
Representative Shea did not disclose his COWS affiliation at the meeting during which the
Representatives referred to the BLM as "terrorists" . During the meeting the Representatives gathered
intelligence regarding law enforcement strategies and operations then traveled directly from that same
meeting to the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and met with Ammon Bundy and other armed occupiers
despite warnings of extreme danger and against the will of law enforcement and other Oregon state
elected officials. 56
Judge Grasty told Investigators that Representative Shea provided him his business card before departing
the January 9, 2016 meeting and it was clear to him that Representative Shea was leading the group of
Representatives. Later that afternoon when a group of armed, masked insurgents surrounded the Sheriff's
office, Judge Grasty called Representative Shea on his mobile phone to tell him how far out of hand
things had gotten and to reinforce his advice to not go to the refuge. Representative Shea told Judge
Grasty he had already been to the refuge and was back in Burns. Representative Shea later called back to
Judge Grasty to say no such group existed. The next morning a photo of the armed masked insurgents was
featured on the front page of the Oregonian newspaper. According to Judge Grasty, Representative Shea's
and the group's visit to the occupied refuge headquarters emboldened the armed insurgents. Bundy later
bragged to Harney County officials that he was supported by elected officials.

Other Determination of Fact
a. Early in the first days of the armed occupation Representative Shea dispatched Anthony Bosworth, his
close associate and leader of the LFA Ill% militia in Eastern Washington, to the Malheur National
Wildlife Refuge armed occupation in Harney County Oregon without the knowledge of law enforcement
or local officials. 57
55
56
57

E13C, W10
Wl , W3 , W10, W20 , E2R, E2Q, El3C R64, R69, R70, R71, R93 R138
E2H, W8 , W28

25

 b. Representative Shea in his role as Chairman of COWS later wrote, referring to Bosworth, ... "a
delegate we recently commissioned to liaison with us ....... The delegate was Anthony Bosworth. "
Representative Shea went on to state, "The Coalition of Western States (COWS, has worked tirelessly to
seek intervention on behalf of the Hammonds to avoid them ji-om returning to prison" He goes on to
support Anthony Bosworth in his role in "facilitating the safe passage of all who wished to leave the
Refuge after La Vay Finicum was killed." "The notion thut ht:!wus µurt uf un eluburule uperuliun tu
undermine and divided the patriots by the federal government, or anything else, is appalling. " 58
c. December 11, 2015 COWS press release, subject entitled "Hammond Family, " lists Anthony Bosworth
as a COWS member and NW Grassroots Coordinator of Liberty for All Washington. On the above email
and in later communications following the armed takeover at Malheur, Anthony Bosworth is not listed as
a COWS member. It is more probable than not this was intentional to disguise Bosworth as being
associated with COWS. 59
d. During the armed occupation while at the refuge, LFA- Washington IIJ% leader Bosworth posted
directly to his Facebook site, photos of FBI surveillance cameras that had been removed during the
occupation. ln the photos, hands could be seen holding the cameras and Bosworth boasted in the online
post the hands were his hands. 60 The removal and theft of cameras during the occupation was later
confirmed by law enforcement officers who were overseeing law enforcement operations at the Malheur
Refuge during the armed occupation.
e. Prior to going to the Malheur Refuge, Representative Shea worked to engineer an invitation from a
local politician to conceal the fact they were outsiders injecting themselves into the armed takeover of the
Malheur refuge. 61
f. Representative Shea wrote in his "WARNING ORDER- Operation Cold Reality" email , sent on
January 4, 2016, described above, "Just today we identified a possible State Rep in Oregon and County
Commissioner that may be on board and request our help. The County Commissioner has not called me
yet and I am calling the State Rep this afternoon. We cannot go in there as more outsiders. " 62
g. The armed takeover and occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge lasted 41 days during
which armed occupier LaVoy Finicum attempted to leave the compound and was shot and killed by law
enforcement officers when he failed to stop at a roadblock and attempted to draw his weapon. 63
h. A meeting took place among the insurgents at the refuge following the death ofLaVoy Finicum to
discuss and vote on whether to abandon the refuge or to stay and fight. The meeting was videotaped by
an occupier who was later imprisoned for his paiticipation in the armed takeover and standoff. On the
video, an unidentified militia member can be heard speaking of knowing who the federal employees were
at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and of killing them and their families. 64

i. Evidence shows that Representative
takeover.

Shea conspired with others to plan and carry out the armed
The evidence was later corroborated when Greenlee County, Arizona Commissioner and

58

E2W

5'

E2E
E9G
E2K
E2K
R74, R75, R76
R128

60

61
62

63
64

26

 member of COWS, Robert Corbell, was quoted in an OPB interview saying that coalition (COWS)
leadership knew Ammon Bundy planned to take over U.S. government property in Harney County before
it happened but were unsure which federal outpost it would be. "We knew he was going to do something,"
Corbe ll said, "because something had to be don e. " 65
The armed takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge resulted in threats of violence to Fish and
Wildlife Service employees, local officials and their families, and the local population of Burns, OR, and
ultimately the death ofLaVoy Finicum, a Patriot Movement participant and insurgent who along with
others, carried out the plans laid by Representative Shea and his co-conspirators. The threat of violence
throughout the occupation was so prevalent that schools were closed and families of some of the local
officials were relocated out of the area for safety. 66
j. Representative Shea participated in at least four planning meetings with co-conspirators in advance of
the takeover. He, through his COWS organization, is credited as one organization, among several armed
militia organizations, that issued political demands to local officials in advance of the takeover. 67
k. Representative Shea developed and circulated military-style Operations Orders that laid out detailed
plans to supply and support the armed siege. 68

I. Representative Shea admittedly and through evidence is known to have directly sent Anthony
Boswmth, his close associate and head of the LFA Ill% militia in WA, into the standoff and directed at
least some of his activities while there. Bosworth likely committed criminal acts while at the refuge in his
participation in the theft of surveillance cameras and in his participation in helping occupiers flee the
compound and avoid arrest. 6q
m. The armed takeover and 41-day occupation left serious damage to the refuge facilities as well as
costing taxpayers millions of dollars in law enforcement overtime pay and other expenses. The evidence
reflects Representative Shea planned and carried out acts of political violence and was aware of and
acknowledged in written communications the risk of political violence as a result of his actions.
Representative Shea worked to conceal those actions by the use of code names, engineering an invitation
to a meeting with law enforcement and Harney County officials managing the standoff. He concealed his
true intent for the meeting and then conspired with others and members of militia groups who took up
arms to carry out the seizure of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. 70
n. Sometime after the February 11, 2016 end to the armed occupation, W7 found an online posting on
Representative Shea's Facebook page that stated, "After much prayer I'm afraid violence might be
necessary to take our country back." A blog post respondent commented, " We are ready Captain. Tell
us what to do." W7 responded by posting a comment to Representative Shea's Facebook post and asked
if he meant that he was advocating a civil war. Within a short time after W7's post, Representative Shea
removed his post with the comment in question. 71
o. Representative Shea lacked candor in a statement made to the Washington State House of
Representative Legislative Ethics Board Investigator on March 21, 2016, regarding a complaint related to
his travel to both Bunkerville, Nevada in April 12-14, 2014, and his travel to Bums, Oregon on January 9-

,,_

65

R90, R91

66

W10, W28

68

E21, E2J, E2K, E2M , E2N

69

E9G, E9H
WlO, W28, R87
W7

70

71

27

 10, 2016. In an email entitled "Statement," the Ethics Investigator noted in his final report that he
reviewed three Newspaper articles from the Spokesman Review dated April 17, 2014, January 2, 2016
and February 4, 2016. He therefore concluded th allegations hould be di mi sed due to "lack of
reasonable cause" and dismi sed other allegation _ for "lack of ·ubject matter juri diction." The
Investigator stated he "did not feel an infen iew is requirecf' but went on to ask if he could get some
background on the two trips in 2014 and 2016, referring to Bunkerville and Malheur. 72
Ou March 3 -016 Representative Shea m. tead provided a written tatement whjch he igned and
emailed to the Ethic lnve tigator and copied Repub lican Leadership Attorney with an attachment pdf
entitle~ "Stateme11.1Regan/fo g Ethics Complaint .' ' Representati e Shea tated in the emai l, "Please find
a1tached the requested stalement. " And signed "Represen1a1ive Shea··. In the statement attached to the
email. R presentatjve hea stated, "/ went to Nerada in April 2014, in an investigatii-e capacit y Uacl
finding) as a State Representative and if needed to mediate in order to prevent any loss of life and ensure
a peaceful resolulion.1 was invited by elected officials and members of the community. Other elected
officials including State and Crmnty ojficials were pr esent."
He went on to rate, "/ went to Oregon in Januar y 2016, in an investigatory capacity (fact finding) as
State Repre, entative and if needed mediwe in order to prevent loss of life and ensure a peaceful
resolution. I was invited by elected officials and members of the community. Other elected officials
including State and County o.ffi ·ials were pr esent and 1 met with both sides of the issue to gain an
objective understanding of lh.e siwation. I was never personally asked not to visit. in this case, 1 was also
successful in helping mediate a peaceful resolution on two separate occasions after my visit. in both
cases , Washington State was and is experiencing ·imilar issues as Nevada and Oregon regarding Federal
land mi, manag ement, including gra: ing, and also seizures, restrictions, and destruction of private land."
In his statement, Representative Shea implied that his visit to the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge on
January 9, 2016, was one in which he was invited to step in and provide assistance to a volatile ituation
that included an armed insurrection.
The ethics complaint was dismissed later due to lack of reasonable cause. However, this investigation has
determined Representative Shea went to Nevada and Malheur specifically to support armed insurrections
at both locations in furtherance of his Patriot Movement agenda.
[nvestigato,-- interviewed key law enforcement official at the Federal , state and local level as well as key
elected officials wh represented Hamey County Oregon and determined that no one in auth rity from the
Hamey County local and ' tate government or federal, state or local law enforcement issued an invitation
to Repre ntative Shea to participate or assist in any way at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge armed
occupation _n
r. Representative Shea along with Representative Graham Hunt, WA; Representative Heather Scott,
Idaho; and Assemblywoman Michele Fiore, Nevada, all introduced themselves in a meeting with law
enforcement and county officials on January 9, 2016 at Bums, Oregon , as State Representatives while
concealing their affiliation with the COWS organization. 74

s. Representative Shea on June 25, 2016 , held a private meeting to discuss the fallout from the Malheur
armed takeover, the court cases of the Bundy's, persecution of Christians and the state of the economy.

E67, E68
" Wl, W6, WlO, W20, W28
" E13C, Wl, WlO, W20

72

28

 There was a specific discussion about "If the Feds will come for the rest of "us." W22 told Investigators
that COWS members feared they would be held accountable for their roles in Malheur. 75
Representative Shea led the meeting and did most of the talking. Other COWS members in attendance
included Assemblywoman Michele Fiore, Nevada; Rep. Heather Scott, Idaho and her husband; and Anne
and Barry Byrd of Marble Country Fellowsh ip. Representative Shea organized and held the private
meeting at the Northern Lights Bed and Breakfast located at 3383 WA-25, Northport , WA 99157 . W22
knew the meeting was private because of the identities of the attendees, and that the meeting was secret
due to the fact no phones or recording devices were allowed . Representative Shea told W22 on many
occasions through casual conversation that the "government" tracks the phones of "people like us" and
feared that if two or more of "us - Patriots" are gathered they (the Government) would turn on the mies
on the phones and listen via "stingray" devices through warrantless wire taps.
t. On September 12, 2016 Representative Shea named LFA -Washington III% militia leader Anthony
Bosworth "Patriot of the Year " for his role at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge armed occupation. 76

Section 2: Other Incidents of Engaging in, Planning and Promoting Political Violence
Evidence of Representative Shea ' s involvement in political violence was identified and documented in
the following additional findings :

Finding #1 - Representative Shea and the actions of the COWS organization during the armed takeover
and standoff at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge constitute domestic terrorism.
Michael McGarrity, Assistant Director of the FBI, Counterterrorism Division, in his testimony before the
House Homeland Security Committee on May 8, 2019, described Domestic Terrorists as "individuals
who commit violent criminal acts in furtherance of ideological goals stemming from domestic influences,
such as racial bias and anti-government sentiment . "... "By statute Domestic Terrorism is defined as any
act dangerous to human life that violates the US. criminal laws and appears to be intended to intimidate
or coerce a civilian population, influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion, or
affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction , assassination , or kidnapping. " Mr. McGarrity
also testified that domestic terrorists pose a "pr esent and persistent threat of violence and economic harm
to the United States" and noted there have been more arrests and deaths caused by domestic terrorists
than international terrorists in recent years. 77
Finding #2 - Representative Shea engaged in intimidation tactics against a political opponent in
September 2012, posted a photo of himself on his Facebook page while standing in front of the opponents
residence, and refused to remove the online photo at the request of the opponent, party affiliates and law
enforcement.
Representative Shea in September 2012, during the final weeks of his reelection campaign for the
Washington State House of Representatives District 4 legislative seat, had a photograph of himself taken
standing in the driveway of his opponent's residence. He then posted the photo on his Facebook site that
publicly revealed the location of the opponents home. The spouse of Representative Shea' s opponent was
a former Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) who lived under threat of reprisals resulting from his
position as an AUSA . Representative Shea ignored multiple requests from the opposing candidate, her
spouse , the Spokane County Sheriff and the local head of Representative Shea's political party to remove

76

W22
E2X

77

R234

75

29

 the po ting from his Fa cebook site. The posting was viewed as a direct act of intimidation and threat by
the political opponent and her spouse. 78
Finding #3- Representative Shea engaged in secure online chat using the codename "Verumbellator"
from October 29 through December 12, 2017 that included the identification of opposition political
activists, condoned violence and intimidation , and offered to do background checks on named persons in
opposition to his political ideology.
W22 stayed in touch with Representative Shea via Wickr, that was later replaced with Signal, an
encrypted text chat program because according to W22, Representative Shea and Jack Robertson were
very suspicious of rhe FBI and other Federal law enforc ement agencies . They were also fearful they were
being surveill ed by Federal aurhoritie because of their extremist beliefs. Representative Shea directed
those clo e to him who knew of hi Patriot Movement association to communicate via Wickr and later
other encrypted platforms like Signal and ProtonMail for emails. All matters of politics and finance were
discussed through encrypted applications. W22 and others later changed communication platforms several
times at the direction of Representative Shea.
The "Party Animals" group was created on the encrypted Signal Application for secure chat. W22 and
Represen tative Shea using the codename, "Verumbellator" 79 participated in the group along with LF A
militia leader Anthony Bosworth, and Jack Robertson, also known as John Jacob Schmidt. On or about
October 29, 2017, the participants used private chat to discuss Antifa rallies around the United States and
preparation to stand against Antifa demonstrations that were to occur on November 4, 2017. 80
The chat became violent in nature when the discussion turned to an Anti fa rally they believed was to take
place in Spokane, WA . Both Jack Robertson and Anthony Bosworth described violent acts they would
like to take against Antifa and "liberals" during the chats that included finding Antifa member's homes
and workplaces, picking fights, and as stated by John Jacob Schmidt, "knocking back some heads" and
"bring back some foreskin." Anthony Bosworth referred to a portion of the Antifa members as "a bunch
of bull dykes. " The Party Animal chat continued with discussion of violence and surveilling and
intimidating Anti fa members with ''pysops" or psychological operations by tagging of the homes and
workplaces with white supremacy symbols . The discussion continued by suggesting someone be
designated to get "mugshots of all the faces . "
On November I, 2017, the Party Animal chat continued. W22 reported to the group and all chat
participants on a WARNORD (Warning Order) from Tim Carson of the "63rd " known as the 63rd
Lightfoot Brigade Militia, respond to the November 4, 2017 Antifa nationwide rallies. The Warning
Order dated November 2, 2017, was sent to Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho Commanders of the
63rd Lightfoot Militia and referred to Antifa as "Enemy Forces. " The plan included instructions that the
63rd Lightfoot militia would take Incident Command in Spokane County and respond under the
command of the Spokane County Sheriff. The Warning Order cautioned that the call out was not a drill
and that militia members were to appear in "full battle rattle" to include "helmets, magazines, hot hollow
point , mace, airhorn, comms, gloves, eye and ear pr otection, handcuffs. "
On November 6, 2017, the Party Animal chat resumed and Anthony Bosworth stated, "A lot of members
in the so-call ed Patriot movemen t are starting to blend with the.·e different group s. " From ge neral
discussion leading up to this date, it is more likely than not that Bosworth was referring to Antifa
members and the way they dress , making it more difficult to identify Antifa members from Patriot

79

E4A, W4, R16
E4B,W22, R173,R178, R182

•0

E4H, E41, E4J

78

30

 movement members. Verumbel/ator, aka Representative Shea, then sent a text link to a Wikipedia
reference to "Atomwaffen" meaning nuclear weapons in German and is also the name of an alt-right neoNazi terrorist network whose members have been responsible for a number of murders, planned terrorist
attacks as well as other criminal actions.
Upon entering the conversation after the violence was discussed, Representative Shea commented about
discussion points that had taken place earlier, making it more probable than not that he had read the entire
discussion before commenting. On November 4, 2017 at 9:45 am, Verumbellator responded with "yes
flag" that appears to indicate he was responding with his approval of the plan.
During the chat when the other participants advocated locating the targets for psyops, Representative
Shea requested the names of the Antifa members and offered to conduct background checks.
On December 12, 2017 "Scout" aka Anthony Bosworth posted the Russian flag, and wrote, "Asfar as I'm
concerned, we can send one of these and a wolf tail to Suckling .... Suckling would make sure it made
national news. " Bosworth continued with, "Get me the testicles off a North Idaho wolf and I'll send them
to him". Representative Shea chimed in and wrote, "This is not something to put out electronically. We
need to meet flf' or face-to face.
Finding #4 - Representative Shea from 2013 through 2019 condoned intimidation by supporters of his
political opposition to include activists, government officials, Muslims, and others who speak or act in
opposition to his personal beliefs and his political agenda. 81
a. W26, attended a 2013 Marble Community Fellowship God and Country Celebration where
Representative Shea was scheduled to speak. The event was by invitation only and staffed with armed
security. W26 was cleared for entry and directed to a barn where Representative Shea, Rep. Elizabeth
Scott and Rep. David Taylor, all Washington State Representatives) were giving a Legislative "Freedom
Caucus" update. When W26 arrived at the barn, the Representatives were giving reports and answering
questions. W26 overheard the Representatives suggesting the Republican leadership was corrupt or weak,
and that only the Freedom Caucus stood for true American values. W26 also heard Representative Shea
say, "If people knew what went on in the Capital, they'd blow it up." W26 was shocked and looked up to
see all the panel members nodding and saying "yea" and many in the crowd of about 100 attendees
shouted in agreement and nodded their heads in support.
b. On September 21, 2015, Representative Shea led a "Rally for America" at the Spokane West Central
Community Center in response to an event by the Spokane City Council honoring the Muslim group,
Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). Representative Shea's rally took place at the same time
and place as the City Council event. Representative Shea hired W22 to provide his personal security
while Anthony Bosworth was also present providing security at the request of Representative Shea.
Bosworth, who was armed, told W22 he would be looking for people of Middle Eastern appearance that
might be coming to the rally to commit an act of violence against Representative Shea. According to
W22 many of the protestors were armed and shouted in opposition of the Muslim families as they entered
the building. This was confirmed by W 19.
Representative Shea was a speaker along with Ammon Bundy at the New Code of the West Conference
held in Whitefish, Montana . Topics included exploring land, water, property and civil rights in the
Western States. Representative Shea spoke and connected the Council of American Islamic Relations
(CAIR) to Hamas. Another topic of Representative Shea's speech regarded the management of public
lands being transferred back to the states.
81

W19, W22, W26, R47

31

 c. W22 provided security services for Representative Shea at an i594 "We Will Not Comply Rally" at
both the Spokane County Courthouse and the Spokane Valley Sheriff Department location.82 The
speakers for the "We Will Not Comply" event were Representative Shea and the leader of the 63 rd
Lightfoot Brigade militia. According to W22, many 1 people who attended both rallies where highly
armed. Representative Shea was also armed. The purpose of the afternoon rally was to protest the
comments a Spokane County Sheriffs deputy made concerning law enforcement's need for an Armored
SWAT vehicle to be used for protection against "patriots." According to W22, Anthony Bosw01ih a
militia leader and close associate of Representative Shea was present at the rally with a small contingent
of militia members to provide "flag coverage" for protestors. This meant anytime a counter protestor
yelled in protest to Representative Shea's comments, Bosworth and his team waived the "Appeal to
Heaven" flag and the US Flag in front of the protestor in an effort to incite a physical confrontation with
Representative Shea supporters. The "flag coverage" was videotaped and later used for posting to social
media to attract attention and to further the Patriot Movement cause.
d. On April 29, 2017, at the direction of Representative Shea, W22 organized security for his "Drain the
Swamp Rally" with the 63rd Lightfoot Brigade. W22 worked in conjunction with the 63 rd Lightfoot
Brigade to have a group of militia members provide security for Representative Shea, Rep. Pricilla
Giddings, Idaho and Representative Heather Scott, Idaho. Representative Shea and W22 compiled a list
of persons associated with Antifa and the group Indivisible in advance of the rally. W22 was advised by
Representative Shea to ensure no person on the list was allowed into the event.
e. On May 23, 2019, Representative Shea held a Liberty State Rally at Spokane, WA.
Spokane County Sheriffs Deputies responded to a disturbance at a Liberty State informational event
featuring Representative Shea at the Discovery Park Center when an argument that ensued as armed
members of the 63 rd Lightfoot Militia, who were providing security, attempted to eject a group of
attendees. Sheriffs deputies arrived and asked the men to leave and they did so peacefully. The deputies
conducted no interviews and did not get the names of the attendees who were accused of causing the
disturbance. 83
Investigators interviewed W22 and W23 in this matter who were in attendance and were asked to leave.
Both W22 and W23 stated the event was posted online as a public event. Witnesses received the
communication inviting attendees, had questions about the 51st State and wanted to hear Representative
Shea speak on the issue. W23 had previously posted a question to Representative Shea after reading his
Facebook posting indicating the 51st State was to be a Christian state where gay marriage would not be
allowed among other things. An online debate ensued resulting in Representative Shea blocking W23
from his Facebook site .

Finding #5 - Representative Shea engaged in counterintelligence gathering and acted in opposition to the
lawful efforts of federal, state and local law enforcement.
a. Representative Shea, via his private encrypted email account in the name of "Verumbellator"
erumbellator @protonmail.com. sent a document on August 27, 2016 to W22 and to Jack Robertson
(John Jacob Schmidt) via email attachment entitled, "Apparatus of Repression." The email was forwarded
from a previously sent email from Verumbellator at 11: 19pm to ''scoutirish@protonmail.com (Anthony
Bosworth); abyrd4usa@protonrnail.ch (Anne Byrd, Marble Community Fellowship);
"snowmanx@protonmail.ch (Eric Stagg); desertscout l@protonmail.ch identified (Scott MacAuley) and

82

83

W22, R36
W22, W23, R196,

32

 two other unidentified plrsons using codenames adamas@startmail.com
johncarmen@protonmail.com.

and

The document attached to Representative Shea's email detailed extensive law enforcement confidential
information laying out the command and control structure of Washington state law enforcement agencies.
The document was over 250 pages long and contained rosters of local FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force
(JTTF) agents, SWAT team member lists complete with names and badge numbers and the Joint Harbor
Operations Command (JHOC) building schematics. The document also included the names and home
information of FBI, DHS, and Washington State Patrol agents, photos of SWAT teams, street surveillance
cameras, aircraft and communications equipment used by law enforcement in Washington.
In Representative Shea's email he said he dug deep on the web to find the document. The document, as
stated by Representative Shea, was to be used "to validate and check out agents from law enforcement
agencies who may attempt to contact us or him. Based on the email to which the document was attached,
it is more probable than not that Representative Shea was referring to someone known to the group
having been contacted by the FBI. W22 later provided this document to Investigators and law
enforcement officers. 84
b. Representative Shea writing in support of an 1-594 rally that took place on the Washington State
Capital told gun rights activists the measure on background checks violates the federal and state
constitution and need not be obeyed. Representative Shea told gun owners, "An unconstitutional law is no

law at all."

85

Investigators reviewed blog postings on Sipsey Street Irregulars website, referred to as "The ORIGINAL
gathering place for a merry band of Three Percenters." The posting was January 15, 2015 and referred to
the "I Will Not Comply" rally in which over 200 gun rights activists assembled on the steps of the
Washington State Capitol in protest ofI-594 which was passed in November 2014 and included
expansive background checks on gun sales and transfers. All those armed patriots right inside the
legislative chamber and not a shot fired!" Another blogger bragged about being present at the rally and
inside the Capitol with an automatic rifle.
Article published in Spokane Review, "Shea tells gun rights activists 1-594 not law"
http ://www. pokesman.com /srorie /20 15/jan/ 15/shea-tells -gun-ri ghts-activists-i-594-nor-law /

Finding #6 - Representative Shea in 2016 engaged in and supported the training of adults, and children
to fight a Holy war and/or civil war.
a. During June 2016 Representative Shea aided and actively supported Marble Community Fellowship
(MCF) "Team Rugged" training of children and young adults on combat and fighting skills . This
Investigation determined Team Rugged is led by 3 individuals - Patrick Caughran, Lucas Olson, and
Pastor Larry Byrd of MCF. The WA Secretary of State has on file the Certificate of Formation for Team
Rugged (UBI 601 161 363). The Certificate of Formation lists Executors as Zach Black, Michael
Caughran (father of above) , Lucas Olson and Barry Byrd. x~
An email string began on July 7, 2016 from Patrick Caughran (moJonlabe @idaho .net) to Representative
Shea recommending Team Rugged as a link on Representative Shea's Facebook page. The email from
Caughran outlined the basic purpose of Team Rugged, including this quote: "Everything about it is both

84

85
86

E7B, E7C, W22
R37
E6C, E6D

33

 politically incorrect and what would be considered shocking to most modern Christians. There will be
scenarios where every participant will have to fight against one of the most barbaric enemies that are
invading our country, Muslim terrorists." 81

Caughran also asked Representative Shea to put him in touch with John Jacob Schmidt, aka Jack
Robertson. The original email from Caughran was forwarded to John Jacob Schmidt (Jack Robertson)
from Representative Shea letting Schmidt know that Patrick wanted to connect with him. When John
Jacob Schmidt replied, W22 and Anthony Bosworth (bozap73 @gmail.com ) were both copied.
The Team Rugged training took place on June 24/25, 2016 at the MCF God and Country Celebration.
Representative Shea and John Jacob Schmidt participated in the training and directed a Youth Land
Navigation and Tactical Skills Assessment in which the Program read , "an exercise for youth, including
"field strip and reassemble AR-15 ; land navigation ; field dressing wounds; radio operations and
procedures; PT; shooting skill; etc. " 88
During the evening session, Representative Shea and John Jacob Schmidt spoke at the "Kickoff: Marble
Kids - Going Underground".
b. Representative Shea attended and spoke at a Patriot Movement rally in Idaho. 89 This rally was a threeday "Northwest Patriot and Self Reliance" rally at Farragut State Park, in Athol, Idaho. Don Bradway of
the Oath Keepers militia hosted the event. The event drew over 500 attendees. Other speakers included
Dale Pearce, a former Idaho state legislator, who spoke on behalf of the John Birch Society. Glen Tate,
the author of 299 Days : The Preparation, was also a speaker at the event. The book is a fictional l Obook
series set in Washington State depicting the conflicting world of preppers and those who don't understand
them and their preparation for an inevitable government collapse.
W22 was invited to the rally by Jack Robertson, aka "John Jacob Schmidt" , a close associate of
Representative Shea and a prominent participant in the Patriot Movement . W22 was asked to provide
booth security as Jack Robertson broadcasted on the Radio Free Redoubt Network from Farragut State
Park. W22 met Representative Shea and heard him speak at the event.
Investigators obtained and reviewed a YouTube video of Representative Shea's speech during which he
was introduced as one of the 10 most hateful politicians on the Southern Poverty Law Centers website. In
his speech , Representative Shea stated "We need to prepare for the inevitable collapse that is going to
happen .... You know it's going to happen. That's right. I'm a politician and I am standing up here and
saying that . " He encouraged attendees to "Prepare ourselves and our families for what is coming. " He
encouraged families to implement "the 4 S's - Get in shape, learn to shoot , learn self-defense and study
small unit tactics." He also stated," If you don't have 5000 rounds of 223, 5000 rounds of 22 and 1000
rounds of handgun ammunition at minimum you are just wrong. "
Finding #7 - Representative Shea wrote the Biblical Basis for War and advocated the replacement of US
democracy with a theocracy and the killing of all males who do not agree. 90

a. On August 5/6, 2016 Representative Shea held a meeting at LaBelle LaVie at 18507 E. Appleway Ave,
Green Acres WA in Spokane, WA, the same office building that houses Representative Shea's legislative
office . W22 provided security for Representative Shea and attendees. The meeting was held for
"Committees of Safety and Correspondence" as well as the creation of a "Provisional Government". The
meeting was requested by Representative Shea and the members of the COWS. W22 was given a list of
81

E6A

81

ElOH

89

Rl 7, R18, W22

90

ESA, ESB, W 22

34

 invitees and told to organize the meeting. He received only code name email addresses provided by
Representative Shea that were used for the invitation. W22 knew who some attendees were but most he
did not. Representative Shea wanted W22 to make the invitation innocuous so that if they were
monitored by Federal authorities and autonomous filters in major email providers, no one could tell what
they were doing or talking about.
W22 was told by Representative Shea what to put into the body of the email and what to advise the
participants to bring. W22 used the term 'family picnic" to disguise the meeting and invited the group
via the encrypted email service called Proton Mail to the gathering. Representative Shea often asked
those who sent emails to use non-descriptive email titles to prevent any "Federal monitoring systems like
Google" to be able to identify confidential conversations being sent.
W22 believed there were more than 30 people present during this meeting. Representative Shea led the
meeting and other attendees included Rep Heather Scott (ID); Assemblywoman Michelle Fiore (NV);
LF A-WA TIT%leader Anthony Bosworth; Pastor Shahram Hadian, the Pastor of Truth in Love Church;
and Barry and Anne Byrd, Pastors of MCF. Packets were given out to leaders to include
Assemblywoman Fiore, Representative Scott, Anthony Bosworth and Steve Mclaughlin. W22 knew
attendees to be members of the COWS. Other people were present, but only used their "code names" to
identify themselves. W22 did not know their identity.
The packet of information provided at the meeting had been compiled by Representative Shea and
included a large number of documents. Some were authored by him and some were not. The documents
detailed food storage instructions, ammunition volumes to obtain and store, Ham Radio communication
instructions and other information for the attendees. Two different information packets were presented,
one for individuals and the other for mid-level leaders.
Representative Shea instructed everyone that the individual documents contained only
instructions for survival and emergency preparedness and was only to be given out to people we
"recruited" to be part of the Committees of Correspondence and Security. The Mid-Level packet
was not for distribution. It contained files such as The Biblical Basis for War, The Restoration, 91
and the recipe for Tannerite based explosives.
At this meeting, Representative Shea presented the Biblical Basis for War document that
advocated "killing all males" who did not yield to stopping all abortions, supported same sex
marriage, and did not obey Biblical law. He also advocated "Assassination to remove tyrants is

just, not murder. "
Also, included in the packet, were instructions on how to build "one-time pad" communications for
encrypting sensitive messages. The document also contained military sensitive training materials on
weapons such as Claymore mines and Grenades. At the time, there was not an intent to use Claymore
Mines or Grenades but according to W22, Representative Shea wanted to ensure everyone had the
instructions so the group could study how to use them.
In October 2018, Representative Shea acknowledged he wrote and distributed the 4-page 92
manifesto, Biblical Basis for War. This was confirmed through document metadata indicating
that Representative Shea was the author and the document was modified (started) on July 2, 2014
and created (finalized) on January 10, 2015. Representative Shea claimed the document was a
summary of sermon notes that listed strategies a "Holy Army" would employ. The rules of way
included that the enemy must "surrender on terms" ofno abortion, no same-sex marriage, no
91

92

ESC, W22
R149, R153

35

 communism and "must obey Biblical law." Communism did not exist during Biblical times so
Representative Shea's reference to communism is unclear.
W22 reported that the Biblical Basis for War was followed by the presentation of a document
entitled, Restoration 93 (8 pages), that outlined replacement of the existing US government with a
form of government with theocracy elements and included the following points to name a few:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

establishing a militia based military,
firing all Local Law Eriforcement,
liaison with gangs who have honor,
establishing Patriot Banks,
repealing all taxes and non-criminal laws and regs
decentralization of government services such as education and healthcare
transfer of public lands to private homesteaders
final settlement with Indian tribes to become part of the state
a revision of the existing US Constitution to sanctify to Jesus Christ,
bans all abortions and euthanasia,
reinstates capital punishment for murder, rape, molestation , bestiality,
kidnapping, Adultery, treason and sodomy .

According to W22, these documents were presented by Representative Shea in a private
symposium to a select group of followers that included religious leaders, elected officials and
members of the Patriot Movement. Participants were secretly invited using codenames and via
encrypted email and it appears Representative Shea's claims that the Biblical Basis for War was
simply sermon notes is untruthful.
Finding# 8- Representative Shea engages in and promotes annual Patriot Movement militia training and
readiness exercises in support of anticipated armed conflicts against federal, state and local governments
and law enforcement.
During September 9-11, 2016, W22 was directed by Representative Shea to paiticipate in Operation
Premonition. W22 was the recipient of an email and Operation Premonition Operations Order (OPORD)
that was sent out by Jack Robertson, aka John Jacob Schmidt. 94 Emails pertaining to this operation were
entitled "September Rain. " During Operation Premonition, an operational control location based at Pastor
Shahram Hadian's residence was established and the goal for the mission was to practice evacuation
(EVAC) of Representative Shea and other members of Patriot Movement leadership to get them to the
central operations location or "SIGCEN."
According to W22, Representative Shea actively coordinates with Jack Robertson each year to organize a
drill in the Eastern Washington area to practice crisis response within the Patriot Movement.
Representative Shea and Jack Robertson name the drills and in 2016 it was named "Operation
Premonition". 95 The exercise was a two-day drill and W22 participated in one day. Representative Shea
and Jack Robertson schedule the drill to coincide with the Federal emergency response drills. The drills
are run in parallel to drills being executed by Federal authorities to practice a response should Federal
authorities ever begin the process of, as Representative Shea advised, "Rounding up Patriots and
Christians. "

93
94

95

ESC
E6E,W22
E6E,W22

36

 Although W22 had never been given names, he was told by both Representative Shea and Jack Robertson
that they have assets placed within the Federal Government emergency response agencies and the ARES
and RACES infrastructure. ARES and RACES are both Ham-Radio-based emergency planning assets
that coordinate with both first responders and Red Cross when a major disaster related incident occurs.
These assets are privy to nonpublic information but pass the information along to Robertson and his
AmRRON network. The Patriot Movement has Ham radio operators that work with Red Cross so they are
actively given location data, non-public briefing information, as well as information ahead of the press
that gives them the advantage to respond in kind to what drills the Government may be practicing. These
radio operators are part of the American Redoubt Radio Operator ' s Network (AmRRON) network
nationwide.
Investigators obtained a copy of the "Op eration Premonition 2016 Stat ement of Purpose and Time line"
that appears to have been scheduled for September 9, 2016. The scenario centered on the day following
the Presidential Election anticipating a narrow victory for Donald Trump and included riots breaking out
al I over the nation in major cities .

Section 3: Timeline of Events
2007
Matthew Shea's wife, Lisa Shea, filed for divorce after alleging he is a violent man, grabbed her arm,
made her walk on his left in case he had to draw his sword on the right. 96 Public Records Request,
Investigators obtained Incident Report# 07-275397 dated 9/19/2007 entitled "DV Order Violation". The
Deputy investigator noted that Restraining Order No . 07-3-01743-5 was issued by the Spokane County
Commissioner on 9/4/2007 against Matthew T. Shea. In the order, Matthew T. Shea who we know to be
Representative Shea, was ordered to relinquish his firearm to "a mutually agreed third party or counsel."
Lisa Shea complained through her attorney that Matthew T. Shea had not complied with the order by
mutual agreement with Lisa Shea as to who would maintain the firearm. The Deputy investigator
determined the firearm had been given to Representative Shea's father. 97
2008
Representative Shea was divorced from his first wife, Lisa Shea, in January 2008 after approximately 5
years of marriage and remarried that same year. Representative Shea won District 4 election against
Democratic opponent Tim Hattenburg. Barack Obama was elected as the first African American United
States President.
2009 - 2010
The Patriot Movement became more prominent in the United States.
January 8, 2010
Representative Shea received an email from Anne Byrd, abvrd4
@gmail.com. requesting
consideration for a legislative internship for Joshia [LNU 509 563-4412 (Doc l )]. This is the first
documented connection between Representative Shea and Marble Community Fellowship/ Anne Byrd.
Anne Byrd is believed to be Representative Shea's spiritual advisor98 .

96
97

98

R236
E12AB
W22, W26

37

 January 14, 2010
Representative Shea spoke at the "Sovereign Winter Fest" in Olympia, Washington. The event was
attended by approximately 300 Tea Party members and supporters throughout the state. The rally was
held to support 10th Amendment sovereignty resolutions in the Washington legislature. Representative
Shea was the first speaker and had sponsored the "State Sovereignty Resolution" that was sponsored but
never considered in the Washington legislature. The language was believed to mirror the far-right militias
ofthe l 990's.
Feb 2, 2010
Representative Shea forwarded the January 8, 2010 email to an assistant from his legislative email asking
that Josiah be added to a list of potential interns. Note: Other email used by Representative Shea:
malt spokanelawcenter .com
November 2, 2010
Representative Shea won November election running unopposed in the primary and general election.
2011
November 23, 2011
Information obtained through public records request found the following: Representative Shea was
involved in a road rage incident with another motorist in Spokane, WA in which he brandished a gun and
was later cited by the Spokane County Sheriffs Office for having an expired concealed carry permit.
The road rage incident in Spokane Washington was reported by the Spokesman Review prior to the
initiation of this investigation. Representative Shea accused the other driver of"Baghdad Driving" in turn
forcing him to use evasive techniques.
Investigators obtained a copy of the Incident Report# 11-364413 dated 11/23/2011 through a public
records request and confirmed Representative Shea was involved in an aggressive driving incident with
another motorist. The identity of the other motorist was redacted in the report which investigators believe
to be consistent with concealing the identity of a minor. The witness statement from the other motorist
contradicted Representative Shea's statement that he (Representative Shea) simply pulled the weapon
from the glove box and placed it on the passenger seat. The motorist stated that Representative Shea
pointed a finger at him and made a motion like he was shooting a gun and pulling the trigger before he
actually pulled the weapon from his glove box and made it visible to the other motorist. According to the
motorist witness, Representative Shea pulled a handgun from his glovebox and made a motion so that the
motorist could see that he (Representative Shea) had a gun. He then placed the weapon on the front
passenger seat in plain view. The motorist sped up to get away and then called 911.
The Spokane Police Department responded to the incident by interviewing a witness who also called 911,
the other motorist and Representative Shea. The Deputy questioned the veracity of Representative Shea's
statement that he was fearful of the other motorist while he continued to pursue him. During the
interview, the Deputy determined Representative Shea had an expired concealed carry permit.
Representative Shea was issued a citation for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. 99

December 20, 2011
Case No. Pll011266 A summons was filed in Municipal Court of Spokane, County of Spokane, State of
Washington, City of Spokane v Matthew T. Shea to appear January 17, 2012 in Superior Court.
Complaint in this matter charged Representative Shea with Carrying Firearms- Pistol in Vehicle with no
concealed carry permit per RCW 9.41.270 on November 23, 2011 . Representative Shea was charged with
99

E12T

38

 2 counts: Count 1 - Unlawful carry of Firearms and Count 2- Weapons Apparently Capable of Producing
Bodily Harm- Unlawful Carrying or Handling. The court found probable cause existed to support each of
the charges on December 20, 2011.
2012
January 18, 2012
Representative Shea November 21, 2011 road rage / firearms incident was scheduled to be dismissed if he
committed no other criminal law violations and ifhe stipulated to the accuracy and admissibility of the
police reports. Representative Shea agreed and paid a $75 fine. The case was dismissed with prejudice.
May 29, 2012
Representative Shea filed a complaint with the Spokane Police/Spokane County Sheriff's Office, Incident
Report# 12-165282 in which he reported damage done to a number of his campaign signs with swastikas
painted on them. He believed the swastikas were in retaliation to his stance on the marriage bill that had
recently passed in the Washington Legislature. There was no further investigation by the Spokane Police /
Spokane County Sheriff's office.
July 22, 2012
Spokesman Review published article, "Legislator pulled gun during road incident"
https://www .sookesman.com/stories/20 12/j ul/22 / 1egislator-pul led-gun-duri n12:
-road-Lncident/
Note: The newspaper article gave an account of the November 23, 2011 incident described above .
October 31, 2012
Hamey County ranchers Dwight Hammond Jr and son Steven Hammond were convicted of arson for
setting fires on Federal land in 2001 and 2006. Sentenced to 3 months and 1 year respectively.
September 2012
Representative Shea posted a photo of himself standing in the driveway of Amy Biviano, his opponent
for the seat he held in the WA House of Representatives. He refused to remove the photo when requested
by the candidate, her husband, the Sheriff and the head of Representative Shea's political party.
November 6, 2012
Representative Shea won reelection to the WA State House of Representatives against Democratic
opponent Amy Biviano.
2013
May 31 / Jun 1, 2013
Representative Shea was a speaker at the Constitutional Sheriff's and Peace Officers Association
(CSPOA) convention in St. Charles, Missouri. CSPOA is closely affiliated with the Patriot Movement
and armed militias.
https:/ /www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/consti tution/item/ 15617-constituti onal-sheriffs-convention-asuccessfu I-prom otion-of-1iberty
June 21, 2013
Representative Shea was announced as a speaker at Marble Community Fellowship, God and Country
Celebration with Rep. Elizabeth Scott, WA; Rep. David Taylor, WA; Stewart Rhodes, Oath Keepers
Militia; Chuck Baldwin and Come! Rasor (unidentified). This event was posted to the Marble Facebook
page with a photo of Representative Shea and the comments, "We are hard pressed as God fearing

39

 Americans, but we will never surrender to tyranny as long as there are men and women like Matt Shea to
stand/or God and country! " 100

July 7, 2013
Representative Shea Speaks at the Marble Community Fellowship God and Country Celebration
July 9, 2013
Federal Judge ordered Cliven Bundy to refrain from trespassing on federally administered land in the
Gold Butte area of Clark County Nevada.
July 26-28, 2013
Representative Shea Spoke at the Northwest Patriot Self-Reliance Rally, Athol, Idaho
2014
W22 worked for Jack Robertson on his Radio Free Redoubt Network program as a volunteer DJ and
segment host of The Eye on Economy using a codename.
January 17, 2014
Marble Community Fellowship (MCF) posted to Facebook applauding Representative Shea, Rep .
Elizabeth Scott and Rep . David Tay !or as "Keeping up the fight for liberty . "
March 27, 2014
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) temporarily closed 145,604 acres of federal land in Clark
County, Nevada for the capture, impound and removal of Cliven Bundy's trespassing cattle.
April 5, 2014
Representative Shea Supports the Bunkerville Armed Standoff
April 5, 2014
The roundup ofCliven Bundy's cattle at Bunkerville, Nevada. Cliven Bundy and Dave Bundy were
arrested .
April 5 - May 2014
Armed confrontation ensued between supporters of cattle rancher Cliven Bundy and Federal law
enforcement officers at Bunkerville, Nevada.
April 9, 2014
Representative Shea dispatched Anthony Bosworth, the leader of Liberty for All- Washington III%
militia group participate in the armed standoff at Bunkerville and to give him intelligence reports on
operations at the site .
April 10, 2014
LFA-WA IIT% militia group leader Anthony Bosworth arrived in the afternoon to Clark County, Nevada
(Bunkerville), and later reported "They just arrested 3 people" "Tempo is high. Situation is volatile . Mass
movement to go free 3 person[s J that [wereJ arrested. " He also reported no law enforcement was seen in
the area and it turned into a free for all. By the end of the day, Bosworth and his team began advance team
preparation for Representative Shea and the Freedom Agenda, assessing the physical site, strategic
situation and available human resources and making initial contact with key players at the location .

100

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40

 Bosworth met with Cliven Bundy who said he would not negotiate his position. He estimated 200 people
on site and at least 100 vehicles . Media arrived. Supporters were not organized or unified.

April 11, 2014
hltps ://ww, .pbs.org/\ gbh /frontl ine/fi Im/a merican-patri ot-i nside-th e-armed-uprisi ng-agai nst-the- federal government /
W22 grew concerned that Representative Shea was not in his own district and is present in Nevada in
suppo1t of an armed standoff against the US government.

April 14, 2014
Radio Free Redoubt published an on line article regarding the formation of the Coalition of Western States
(COWS) who have vowed to stand their ground. along with their fellow countrymen. to fight back against
the war on rural America and the plundering of land by an increasingly overreaching federal government.
Representative Shea shared one of the main goals "to facilitate the transfer of public lands back to the
state level, and to have the states and counties manage the lands, not far-away Washington DC" . At the
formation of COWS, he reaffirmed his position in support of the Bundy's and stated, "As Americans, we
don't give up, we don't back down, we win. " He further stated "A sniper rifle is not due process . We
cannot let that stand as legislators . " He also criticized the BLM staff for pointing weapons at protesters
during the standoff and called for elected officials and citizens to work to "restore our God-honored
constitutional republic. "' 0 '
https :// radiofrccredoubt.com /2014 /04/ 14/coal ition-of-western- tate s-fo rms-to-protect-again st-fed era loverreach /
April 17, 2014
Spokesman Review published an article titled "Rep. Matt Shea travels to Nevada to support defiant
rancher"
http ://ww, .spokesman.com /stories /20 14/ap r/ 17/rep-matt-shea-Lravels-lo-ne ad a-lo-s upport/
The article criticized Representative Shea for traveling out of his district in support of an armed standoff
against the US Government.
June 2014
Representative Shea made a speech at MCF God and Country Celebration with Stewart Rhodes, head
of the Oath Keepers; Val Stevens, former State Rep, WA, Rep. David Taylor , WA, Rep. Elizabeth Scott,
WA, Pastor Shahram Hadian and John Jacob Schmidt, all prominent individuals in the Patriot Movement.
June 22, 2014
Representative Shea Identified in meeting with Militia Members. 102
July 2, 2014
Representative Shea began writing the document entitled, Biblical Basis for War (July 2, 2014 9:58am)
July 17, 2014
KXL Y reported that Representative Shea's political opponent was concerned about his associations with
the Oath Keepers militia .
hrtps ://www.h.-xly.com/news /po litics/local-politic /s hea-opponenr-concern ed-about-rep- s- associations' ith-vio lent-militias-l / 1775705 12

101

2014 Rep Matt Shea Bunkerville Interview - You Tube httos ://www .youtube .com/watc h?v-=6dKblmGTVM/

102

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 September 2014
Representative Shea directed W22 to investigate his political opponent, Josh Arritola, by visiting three
"office" locations in Spokane WA. W22 was to 'prove Arritola's company Haploos was both fraudulent
and a front for Republican monies. He was told by Representative Shea that Arritola had a very shady
past and his last name was not real. Representative Shea wanted to learn the source of the money used to
buy Arritola's home. W22 provided Representative Shea with a bio on Arritola with publicly available
company records establishing his loyalty to Representative Shea and was promoted to un-official head of
personal security. W22 was not a licensed investigator.
September 2014
W22 was invited to Representative Shea's planning meeting for security for the upcoming October 2014
debate with Josh Arritola. W22's job was to coordinate security, not allow press to ask questions of
Representative Shea. and/or stop any protest actions from taking place.
September 26-27, 2014
Representative Shea was a speaker at the Fourth Annual Idaho Liberty Summit on Friday, September 26
and Saturday 27, 2014. His topics included "Defending Liberty" and "Lessons from the Bundy Ranch."
COWS member KrisAnne Hall followed Representative Shea's Saturday "Lessons from Bundy Ranch"
presentation with "The Importance of the 10th Amendment".
October 2014
W22 was in charge of Representative Shea's security team for a debate with candidate Arritola as a plain
clothes security detail leader, with Mike Munch, a former Spokane City Councilman, and other unknown
individuals who were "placed" in the room but whose identities were not revealed. W22 was introduced
to Munch by Representative Shea as someone he could trust. W22 was unarmed during that detail and
did not know if Munch was armed.
November 4, 2014
W22 worked security for Representative Shea during election night at the Davenport hotel along with
Lester Lea (close friend of Representative Shea and reportedly former Delta Force soldier). W22 was to
meet Representative Shea and his wife and watch them closely to ensure Representative Shea's safety as
well as prevent press inquiries. Mr. Lea was to provide advanced support by staying in the crowd and
providing updates to W22 on any suspicious persons that he saw. Mr. Lea and W22 used radios to
communicate.
After the election eve event concluded, W22 escorted Representative Shea and his party to the hotel bar
where W22 had a negative interaction with Roy Murry. Unknown to W22, Murry had worked with and
provided security for Representative Shea during the early 2008. While in the hotel bar, Murry was seen
videotaping Representative Shea and his group. Representative Shea instructed W22 to confront a Murry
and ask who he was and why he was videotaping. When approached by W22, Murry became agitated and
confrontational and created a scene. At the time, Representative Shea did not reveal that he and Murry
knew each other and were associated through past military service. W22 believed Representative Shea
staged the perceived threat and confrontation to bolster his status as an important man to those at the
party. Murry was later arrested and convicted of a triple homicide of his extended family and is serving
time at the WA State Penitentiary in Walla Walla.

November 5, 2014
Representative Shea was declared the winner of the 2014 District 4 election against Josh Arritola.

42

 December 20, 2014
W22 required by Representative Shea to provide security at the "I-594 We Will Not Comply " Rally at
both the Spokane County Courthouse and Spokane Valley Sheriff Department office. The purpose of the
afternoon rally was to protest the comments a Spokane County Sheriff's deputy made that an armored
SWAT vehicle was to be used for protection against "patriots" .
YouTube https ://w -Nw.voutube.com /watch ?v=jcxkb tFtYMA/
YouTube https ://\i
.voutube .com/watch?v=5n-T8WONejk

Note: W22 who is not licensed as a Security Guard or private investigator began being compensated by
Representative Shea for security services in late 2014 and payment became more frequent during 2015.
2015
Restore America Club created by Representative Shea, Rep. Graham Hunt, Rep. Elizabeth Scott, Jesse
Young and Rep. David Taylor. According to its web site, it is, "a Non-Profit 501 (c)3 that focuses on
raising awareness in local communities throughfundraising activities and events to physically restore
historical landmarks that ensure the history o_fthose who went before us will be remembered by those
who are here after us! Rememberinf{ and maintaining a standard of excellence with regard to these
landmarks is all of our responsibility and as active members in our community we can effectively make
change, it is our responsibility to ensure that the sacrifices of those before us live on ajier us. "
https://w,¥\¥.restoreameri aclub.com /
January 10, 2015
Representative Shea completed Biblical Basis for War document (Jan I 0, 2015 11:40am)
January 15, 2015
Representative Shea supports 1-594 protest at the Washington State Capital
February 25, 2015
LFA-WA III% militia group leader Anthony Bosworth, a constitutional sheriff candidate and security
lead for Representative Shea, attended a "10 th Amendment" rally at the federal courthouse plaza in
Spokane, WA carrying an AK-47 style rifle . Bosworth opposed 1-594 requiring background checks on all
gun sales. He told attendees at the rally that he and other gun activists were planning an "Arms Expo" in
Central Washington in June 2015 . An unwitting source stated that the Arms Expo was considered a
"flashpoint" similar to the Washington State Capitol gun rally and explained a flashpoint is an event
designed to create conflict in a semi-controlled environment.
Mid-year 2015
W22 assisted Representative Shea with the first "assembly" meeting at 14617 Newport Highway, Mead,
Washington. Several key people in attendance : Eric Torres (close friend, Yakima WA), Eric Stagg
(Yakima area), LF A-WA ITT% militia group leader Anthony Bosworth and Jack Robertson , Redoubt
News . Topics included: security briefing , state of the economy , basics on survival , and assembly
formation and reasons why.

Representative Shea led the meeting to discuss emergency preparations such as ensuring ample food,
water, medical supplies, and ammunition in the event of a government collapse. He also spoke of the
state of the economy and other geo-political issues that could trigger a collapse incident, or scenario that
would require the means to protect individuals and their communities. W22 believed Representative Shea
was determining who would be future leaders for him and who could command cells of "patriots" after
the collapse.

43

 July 4, 2015
Representative Shea, Rene Holaday, Shahram Hadian , John Jacob Schmidt and John Weaver spoke at
MCF "God and Country Celebration". Representative Shea referenced Anthony Bosworth's arrest for
carrying weapons into the Spokane Federal Courthouse and failing to leave when directed. He said,
"There is nothing the federal government can do to us, even if they lock up our pat riots like Anthony
Bosworth!"
https;
//-,: , .inlander.com/Bloe:lander/archives/20 l 5/ 10/25/there. -an-armed-rail -for-:mthonv-hosworthat-the-federa.1-courthouse-monday-the-last-one-got-t ense
August 12, 2015
Manufacturing Fear
http ://ww\ .in lander.com/spokane/manufacturing-fear/Content?oid=2534837
September 2015
Representative Shea attended A,ct! For America conference in Washington DC
https://ww, . outube.com/watch?v=iqBz-81-8RI
September 21, 2015
Representative Shea led the "Rally for America" at the Spokane West Central Community Center .
Malheur
October 2015
Harney County Oregon - Hammonds sentenced to Federal Sentencing Guideline minimum 5-year
terms.
December 5, 2015
Ammon Bundy and Ryan Payne moved into Burns , Harney County . Militants from states across the west
began to assemble in Burns to protest the impend ing re-impr isonment of the Hammonds over what they
describe as unjust Federal land policies.
December 8, 2015
Representative Shea,
began preparing a "Redress of
Grievance ' documen t
http://bundyranch.bl ogspot.com/2015/ I2/notice-red ress-of-grievance-action.h LmI
The COWS December 11, 2015 Press Release in part stated ,"The Coalition of Western States stands
squarely behind the Hammond Family in their pursuit of justice and we stand ready to aid them. " The
press release contained a footnote to a YouTube video of Ammon Bundy referring to Dwight and Steven
Hamond who had been sentenced and were preparing to serve a five -year prison sentence for lighting
fires on US government land in Hamey County, Oregon .
https://\V\ \ .youtube.com/watch?v=2zvrrObjepc
Ammon Bundy complained that the Hammonds had not gotten due process and that there was corruption
in the origin, indictment, trial, sentencing and re-sentencing of the Hammonds . He accused the Sheriff of
feeding information to the FBI and that it was "confirmed ." He also accused the US Attorney' office of
threats.

December 14, 2015
An email dated December 14, 2015 was sent from W22 to Representative Shea
( erumbel lator@protonmail.com ) regarding two styles ofGPS tracking devices: passive (device would

44

 need to be retrieved to view location data and active (transmit real-time location of person or vehicle).
Links for purchasing options were included in the email.
December 15, 2015
Ammon Bundy delivered the Redress of Grievance.
Bundy Town Hall: A meeting was held at Harney Co Fairgrounds and included Ammon Bundy, Ryan
Payne, BJ Soper, Jason Patrick and others . Bundy appointed and elected a "Committee of Safety" to
represent citizens of Harney County. There were at least 20 Harney County citizens present. The Sheriff
noted in his incident report that the Bundy militia followers often and openly cry for "revolution" and
"civil war. "103
December 16, 2015
Ammon Bundy arrived at the Harney County Sheriffs office and demanded an answer on the "Redress of
Grievances" he had sent via email and the notarized copy he delivered to the Sheriffs office the previous
day. Bundy argued sovereign citizen propaganda and anti-government agenda. The Sheriff responded
from his Bible and pointed out everything he (Bundy)was asking for and doing contradicted scripture.
Bundy left mad.
December 17, 2015
Sheriff Ward's parents were followed/surveilled by militia. His parents were fearful and kept firearms in
their living room. His mother saw men parked outside their home with out-of-state license plates.
December 3rd week
Sheriff Ward's wife was followed by 4 people. One was identified as Jason Patrick who would later
occupy the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Members of the III% militia followed the Sheriff and his
family while shopping. He recognized some as the Idaho III% militia.
December 18, 2015
BLM employee was cursed for wearing a BLM shirt. Three males followed her and told her they were
going to follow her home and burn her house down. Their vehicle had no license plates .
December 18, 2015 - Sheriff Ward call in outside law enforcement assistance.
Ammon Bundy emailed the Sheriff a lengthy letter that he also posted online to solicit response from
Bundy supporters . The email stated that military equipment had been transported to Harney County and
that officers were heavily armed and that the "Personnel involved have been put on high alert and briefed
to use force upon the people as they see fit . " Bundy believed the Sheriff was overreacting when he called
in other LE agencies for assistance . The Sheriff was then accused of failing to protect the Hammonds. He
called for the Sheriff and law enforcement to use their weapons in defense of the Hammonds and "truly
be a representative of the people. "
December 21, 2015
Sheriff Ward received an email from BJ Soper of the Central Oregon Constitutional Guard . He
informed the Sheriff a rally would take place in Burns on January 2nd in support of the Hammond family.
Calls to action were made on multiple social media sites members of the militia type groups mentioned in
the Sheriffs report.

10

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45

 December 23, 2015
Jon Ritzheimer and Blaine Cooper, refuge occupiers, followed Sheriff Ward's son in a store. Both had
been active on social media posting calls to action and calls to arms. The Sheriff was followed from his
office multiple times throughout the month of December.
December 29, 2015
Militias held a secret meeting to discuss the upcoming armed takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife
Refuge followed by a phone meeting between Ammon Bundy and Representative Shea and other
members of COWS.
December 30, 2015
Grant County Sheriff offered to house Harney County inmates in anticipation of January 2, 2016 protest.
2016
January 1, 2016
Burns community members met with protesters to voice their concerns in advance of a weekend rally
planned for January 2, 2016 at 10:00am.
January 1, 2016
Cliven Bundy emailed a letter to Sheriff Ward. Bundy stated he had been watching for several weeks in
the background. He suggested Steven Hammond and Dwight Hammond should check into the Harney
County jail asking for protective custody and notify the Solicitor General in Washington DC they were
under the Harney County SO protective custody. He suggested a Grand Jury be formed by "We the
People." He also demanded the action take place before 10am on Saturday, Jan 2, 2016. Sheriff Ward
began to feel uneasy and believed he was being surveilled.
January 2, 2016
A planned protest march of 300-500 people met in the Safeway Parking lot in Burns, OR . According to
the Sheriff, a splinter group of armed protesters left the protest parade and seized the Malheur Wildlife
Refuge. The armed seizure of the facility was led by Ammon Bundy, Ryan Bundy, Brian Cavalier,
Blaine Cooper, Robert Lavoy Finicum (deceased), Ryan Payne, and Jon Ritzheimer. The III% militia
claimed disinvolvement in the splitting off to take over the refuge.
Taking the refuge gave the armed militants access to I 00 ft tall lookout tower, 20 buildings, vehicles,
more than I 000 gallons of fuel, power, internet access, computers and phones. The Sheriff received
information the militias had over 100 people at the Refuge. Reports indicated Bundy and the armed
occupiers also had "Crew served" weapons on site or weapons that require more than one person to
operate. The Sheriff received information prior to the protest that persons affiliated with the militia groups
were attempting to obtain Squad Automatic Weapons (SAW) which are fully automatic weapons fed by
belt or magazine and has a cyclic rate of more of 1000 rounds per minute. There was also information of a
50 caliber sniper rifle and personnel who could hit targets up to a mile away.

January 3, 2016
• Ammon Bundy claimed the occupation was supplied by area residents and stated he had no
intention of violence unless the government acted against them.
• Sheriff Ward called the Oregon State Sheriffs for more assistance. Resources begin arriving from
Oregon Sheriffs, Oregon State Police and the FBI.
• Joint command post set up at school administration building with personnel from Oregon
Sheriffs, Oregon State Police and the FBI and personnel from other agencies.
• Patrol presence was increased in the community and continued through February 15, 2016.

46

 •

•

Richard Mack , President of the CSPOA called Sheriff Ward and told him he participated in the
protest march on January 2, 2016 but not the armed takeover of the refuge and did not condone it.
He told Sheriff Ward that Ammon Bundy had invited him out to the refuge but after learning of
the armed takeover he did not go. He then told Sheriff Ward how he could "get out from under
the situation" with the Hammonds resentencing by taking the Hammonds into his custody and
simply charge the Hammonds with crimes and that the Hammonds didn't really have to commit
the crimes. Then place them in jail and tell "The Feds " they couldn 't have them until our charges
had been adjudicated. Sheriff Ward stated this suggestion significantly paralleled the letter
received from Cliven Bundy on January I, 2016 .
Representative Shea prepared "Operation Cold Reality" operations plan in support of the armed
occupat ion at Burns, Oregon and after 6 revisions completed the document at 9:29pm.

January 4, 2016
Warning Order - Operation Cold Reality
Megyn Kelly Destroys Bundy Mob Leader with Just an Icy Stare
https:/ /www.mediaite .com/tv/megyn-kell -de troys-bund -mob -leader-with-jusL-an-icy- tare/
January 5, 2016
Ammon Bundy refused to leave. Law Enforcement take steps behind the scene to end the standoff .
Congressman Greg Walden Speaking at US House re Armed Standoff in Oregon
https ://www.c -sQan.om/v ideo/?402734-3 /representative-walden-armed-standoff-oregon/
January 7, 2016
Sheriff David Ward and Ammon Bundy met to discuss occupation. Governor Kate Brown demanded the
protesters "decamp immediately. "
January 9, 2016
Representative Shea and a group of elected officials, most of whom were COWS members , met with the
Harney County Judge and local and Federal law enforcement officials to discuss the armed takeover and
occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge . The group hid their COWS involvement and then
proceeded to the refuge to meet with the occupiers against the direction of the judge and law enforcement
officials.
Oregon State legislator meets with armed group at wildlife refuge
http ://www .kg, . .com /anic le/ne, s/loca l/eastern-oregon /ore- tate-lee.islaLor-meets-, ith-armed aL-wildlife-refugel-83-12629977/

group-

January 10, 2016
Nevada, Oregon State Reps Meet With Armed Occupiers
http ://W\vw.opb.org/new /series/bums-oregon- tandoff -bun dy-miliLia-news -updates /ne ada-ore,zonstate -reps-meet -with-bundv-111
i Iitia/
January 10, 2016
Oregon standoff: Roseburg state legislator ignores local warnings, visits protesters
http,: //www.orce:on live.com/ pacitic-nortln est-news /2016/0 I /oregon stan doff roseburg- sLate.hrm I
Oregon Rep. Cliff Bentz , a Republican from Ontario, and Harney County Judge Steven E. Grasty said
that they tried to warn state Rep . Dallas Heard against traveling to Burn s. But Heard, a Republican
from Roseburg. arrived anyway , and brought elected state officials from Washington , Idaho and
Nevada with him.

47

 January 10, 2016
Oregon Militia turns away another armed militia's help
https ://w.w .cbsnews.com/news/ore11on -armed-m i!itia-turns-away-paci fi c-patri ot-net worl -he] p/
Chat communications continued with KrisAnne Hall to Steward Rhodes with Representative Shea copied:
"This was a brilliant move by 3%er. Put_aface to the crowd and cause hesitation when an order comes
down. It is exactly what the Oath Keepers did in Ferguson when the Feds dished out the propaganda to
the people that the Oath Keepers were KKK. The Oath Keepers then went into the neighborhoods and
introduced themselves to everyone. This was perfect counter psyops. " Representative Shea writing as
Libertas Veritas 1 replied, "The body language in the video is amazing. Very positive IMO (Intermediate
Military Objective) Michele Fiore asked, "Does anyone know a person named Dallas?" Investigators
determined Fiore is referring to Rep Dallas Heard who was in the January meeting Anne Byrd responded,
"Yes. Dallas is a state legislator from Oregon. He is working with COWS as of this past week.

January 10, 2016
Idaho Three Percenters show up at Malheur Refuge
https ://ww, .yontube.com /watch ?v= Y 63 Obd4 bE0 I
January 11, 2016
Representative Shea and Representative Graham Hunt report for Legislative Session on Monday after trip
to Burns, Oregon Malheur National Wildlife Refuge armed occupation visit.
State Rep. Matt Shea made 'fact-finding' trip to Oregon standoff
https: //ww,; . pokesman .com / tories /2016 /jan/ I I/valle -lawmaker-made-fact-finding-trip-to-orecwn-s

/

January 11, 2016
Schools re-open in Burns. Militants destroy a portion of US Fish and Wildlife fence adjoining a private
ranch.
January 12 , 2016
Occupiers said they will reveal their exit plan at a meeting on Friday evening.
Idaho State Reps Judy Boyle, Heather Scott, Sage Dixon gave a press release indicating they "were
among a selected group of state legislators invited by an Oregon legislator to meet with officials about the
Oregon occupation. (Possibly Dallas Heard, Rep. Oregon who was unknown to COWS group before
Bundy occupation).
Representative Shea received an email from Rep. Heather Scott HScott@hou e. idaho.gov at 3:52:01 pm
PST to an email address Matt @.spokan.ela\.vcenter.com , matt.shea @ 1e8..wa.gov, with text "Your message
is ready to be sent with the following file or link attachments. Press Release Burns Oregon.pdf' 104
The press release included photographs ofldaho State Representatives Judy Boyle, Heather Scot and
Sage Dixon with a message that stated , " We were among a selected group of state legislators invited by
an Oregon legislator because of our commitment to liberty , freedom and efforts to curb federal
government overreach . Numerous constituents in each of our Districts have expressed concerns about the
situation unfolding in Burns, and similar frustrations in dealing with federal agencies . We would like to
avoid any type of similar situations in our own districts ; therefore , we went to assess this situation for
ourselves and our constituents ." 105
104

E2Q

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48

 The press release went on to acknowledge that the group of state legislators were "invited by an Oregon
legislator to meet in Burns Oregon with local county officials, law enforcement officers and the FBI to
receive a briefing and make them fully aware of our intentions". Continuing with, "We made the decision
as a gro up who wanted to hear both sides of the story which required hearing directly from Ammon
Bundy and his group. "

"At the refage we received a petition of grievances from the group, which is a right guaranteed to citizens
under the First Amendment. They believed their grievances have been and still are being ignored. It is
part of our job as legislators to continual(v understand citizen grievances, find solutions based on facts
and attempt to de-escalate volatile situations wherever possible. We believe it is very important to try to
preempt any similar situation that may occur in our state. "
January 12, 2016
Representative Shea received an angry constituent phone call.
htrps://soundcloud .com/matthewshea/threat-voice-mail/
January 12, 2016
Northwest Lawmakers Visit Malheur Refuge On 'Fact-Finding Mission'
http ://www.nwnewsnetwork.org/post/ norlhwest -lmvmakers-visit-malheur -refuge -fact-findin g-mission
"That was our main thing, just get to the truth and because BLAf actions affect Washington, they affect
Idaho, they affect Oregon, they affect Nevada~those are the legislators that are involved. "Shea said.
"I think it behooves us lo get to the bottom of ii and find out ·what is actuallyfac/ rm the gmund. "
January 12, 2016
Email from foxtrot519 to Representative Matt Shea man.shca (a)leg.wae:ov with attachment. Appears to
be background of the individual who made threatening phone call to Representative Shea.
January 12, 2016
Spokane County sheriff questions Matt Shea's trip to Oregon armed protest
https: //www .spokesman.com/srories / JO I 6/jan/ 12/knezo ich-guestions-man-sh1.:as-trip-to-oregon-arme /
January 13, 2016
Rancher Tim Puckett says he didn't give militants permission to destroy his fence.
January 15, 2016
The exit strategy meeting does not take place over a dispute about where to hold the meeting. Law
Enforcement arrested occupier Kenneth Medenbach for driving government truck from the refuge into
Burns.
January 16, 2016
Occupiers clashed with conservationists over surveillance cameras.
January 18, 2016
Protesters said they've recruited ranchers to stop paying grazing fees.
January 19, 2016
Conservation groups staged rallies throughout Oregon to urge occupiers to end the standoff.
January 20, 2016
Pete Santilli had a video interview with Anthony Bosworth at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.
Bosworth explained that he got involved in the Liberty Movement in 2005 after returning from Traq. He

49

 was dispatched to Katrina and saw American soldiers patrolling the streets and had an "awakening". Felt
he was on the wrong side. He felt we should go back to the old days 200 years ago to the "Restoration".
Bosworth explained he connected with KrisAnne Hall and brought her to Washington State. He stated he
had attended numerous classes she taught on the Constitution. He said the message is unarguable. He
said, "She's a Liberty leader and she fights for liberty." "We must take action and do something. Not just
talk." He closed with a shout out for "Liberty for All " which is his militia in Washington State. He also
recognized Cope Reynolds as head of Liberty for All in Arizona.

January 21, 2016
Governor Brown in a letter to top Law Enforcement officials called for a swift resolution to the
occupation
http ://www. staresma njouma l.com /storv /new s/politic /2016/0 I/_ I /read-go -browns-letters-obamaurging-end-malheur-occupation/79123426 /
FBI and Ammon Bundy began negotiations.

January 21, 2016
Boswmth posts photo of himself with Ammon Bundy at the Malheur Wildlife Refuge. ' 06
January 21, 2016
Bosworth Facebook posts photos of surveillance cameras removed from the compound and claims the
hands in the photos are his hands. 107
January 22, 2016
Negotiations stumble. Ammon Bundy questioned FBI authority to operate in Harney County .
January 26, 2016
Lavoy Finicum killed
On this same date a family member of an occupier posted a Facebook comment, "LFA is and has always
been a lined with C.0 . WS .... We will take our orders to action under the guidance of that organization!
C.O. WS and LFA has a representative in Oregon on a diplomatic mission! ... "

January 27, 2016
A Facebook posting: "Orders from Anthony P Bosworth, LF A is to stand down and are to
take direct orders from C.O.W.S"
The Coalition of Western States posted an update to their Facebook page "UPDATE: The Coalition of
Western States is extremely proud of our members who were on scer\e and their efforts to maintain a
peaceful dialogue with the federal government. Our members were able to negotiate with the FBI for safe
passage for all those who wanted to leave the refuge including the remaining women and children there.
As of this morning, all qf the people who wanted to leave the refuge are safe. I want to especially thank
the Oath Keepers that worked closeZv with us to ensure this outcome." It is more probable than not that
this update to the COWS Facebook page was written by Representative Shea, Chairman of COWS.

106
101

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 Jan.27,2016
News report attributes Anthony Bosworth with driving armed militants from the refuge.
Oregon Standoff - What We Know So Far (updated)
https: //redoubtnews.com /2016/0 I/oregon-standoff-what-we-know-so-far

/

January 27, 2016
Govt Blames Protesters for Finicum Death
htlps://redollbtnews.com /2016/0 I /govt-blames-prote sters-for-finicum-death/
• FBI SAC Greg Bretzing , quoted in the press, said occupiers had time to leave and LE had taken a
very deliberate and measured response.
• FBI/Occupiers negotiations continue.
• Ammon Bundy urges holdouts to go home.
• Judge refused to release occupiers from custody.
• Network of Patriot groups called for suppo11ers to flood Burns .
• In a video-taped meeting taken at the refuge , occupier holdouts discussed if they should leave or
stay and fight. One occupier stated , "Let's find all the ones who work for the government . Kill
them ... kill their famili es." 108
January 28, 2016
Statement by Greg Bretzing , SAC - Includes Video
https: //redoubtnews .com/2016 / 0 I/ tatement-by-greg-bretzing-special-agent-in-ch
hretzing-special- ag nt-in-charge-tbi -port land/

arn:e ratem nt-bv-gree.-

January 29, 2016
Federal judge denies release of 5 defendants including Ammon Bundy and Ryan Bundy .
Occupier holdouts say they will leave refuge in exchange for pardons.
FBI released footage ofFinicurn shooting to dispel rumors about his death .

January 30, 2016
Finicum family disputed official account ofFinicum shooting
January 31, 2016
Witness said Finicurn screamed "Just shoot me" before killed .
Four holdouts at refuge learn phone and internet service lost.

February 1, 2016
• Hundreds of people converged on Harney County comihouse urging remaining occupiers to go
home .
• Federal Judge in Portland released incarcerated occupier, Shawna Cox .
February 2, 2016
• Occupiers still hold out.
• Franklin Graham tries to broker the end of the occupation .
• Finicum family alleged FBI and Oregon State police coverup.
108

R128

51

 February 3, 2016
Federal Grand Jury indictment against Ammon Bundy and 15 followers in connection with refuge
takeover.
February 4, 2016
Ammon Bundy called for state and Federal officials to leave eastern Oregon. Bundy dubbed the takeover
as a needed action.
February 5, 2016
On this date , Lavoy Finicum ' s funeral was held in Utah. Representative Shea forwarded an email from his
legislative email to Gavin , entitled, "Subject: Statement to Savoy's Family". Meaning LaVoy Finicum
misspelled. Representative Shea asked Gavin Seim to '"Pleasepost to the website. I will post to
Facebook."
The message included the following : " TO THE FAMILY of LaVoy Finicum, we at the Coalition of
Western States wish to express our sincerest condolences for your loss. Those of us that either knew
Lavoy or otherwis e having worked with him at some point , knew him to be a good and decent man who
clearly cared deeply.for his fellow ranchers and country . We recognize the messag e he conveyed was one
of peacefitl resolution and mind/ill diligence. In many ways he should be a role model to all as he was an
inspiration to many. Although we cannot express enough, our feelings of loss, we are deeply aware we
can never know yours. While we cannot bring back this man, we will not let him be forgotten, Coalition of
Wes/em States . " 10~
February 8, 2016
Ammon Bundy continued to speak out from jail, urging elected officials from 8 states to support
imprisoned constituents.
February 9, 2016
Former occupier Scott Willingham offers to mediate between the FBI and last 4 occupiers.
February 9, 2016
Shawn Vestal: Seim brothers have found a cause, but little effect, in the refuge standoff
htrps://ww, . pokt:sman.co m/storie /20 I 6/ feb/09/ hawn-ves tol- eim-brothers-ha e-found-a-cause-but-/
February 10, 2016
FBI moved in to arrest final 4 occupiers.
Cliven Bundy was arrested at Portland International Airport on Federal charges tied to the 2014 standoff
with federal authorities at his Nevada ranch.
February 10, 2016
Final 4 holdouts agreed to surrender on morning of February 11.
February 11, 2016
Last 4 occupiers surrendered ending the standoff.
February 11, 2016
Who is KrisAnne Hall? Conservative activist joins Oregon standoff negotiations
https ://www .orego nlive.com/o regon-standoff/20 16/02/w ho is k..risanne hall conservat.ht ml
109

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52

 February 15, 2016
8:30a - I 0A - COWS Debrief scheduled on Representative Shea's House calendar .
February 15, 2016
41 Days: An OPB Documentary on The Oregon Occupation
https: //\
. .opb .om /news /series /bu rns-oregon-stando ff-bundy-m iIi tia-news-u pdaLes/oregon-standoff occupa1i on-m a lheur-4 1-days-opb -documentary /
February 17, 2016
Representative Shea received an email from the Legislative Ethics Board investigator notifying him an
ethics complaint regarding his travel to Bunkerville , NV and Burns , OR was dismissed .
February 23, 2016
https:/ /w, .opb.org/news /serie / burn -oregon-standoff-bundy-militia-nev
seek-12-m i Ilion-in-occupation-costs /

s-updates /oregon - ounties-

March 2016
Federal Grand Jury indicted 26 persons on felony charges of conspiracy to impede federal employees
from doing their work through intimidation, threats of force, firearms possession at a federal facility.
March 2, 2016
Case Against Santilli So Far Largely Based on Words
http :/ /v,.rww.opb.org/news/series/burns-oregon-standoff-bund
charges-1 ega 1-case-free-s peech /

v-m i Ii ti a-news -upd ares/pete-sanri 11i-

March 3, 2016
W22 provided personal security for Representative Shea at NRA dinner.
March 4, 2016
COWS Sent Email Letter in Support of Anthony Bosworth.
March 15, 2016
Michele Fiore: Oregon occupiers were campers who were victimized by government
hnps: //\ · vw.youtube.com /wat ch?time continue=34&v=WofwpOR5rkM
March 16, 2016
GOP Politicians Planned and Participated in Key Aspects of Refuge Occupation
l,rrps://W\ v.opb.or e:/news /series /burn -oregon - tandoff-bundy-mi!itia-news-updates/republican-goppolitician -coalition -w tern- tates /
March 20, 2016
Oregon Lawmaker Says Roseburg Shooting Prompted 'Fact-Finding' Visit to Armed Occupation
http · :// www. ij pr.ore:/post/or gon -lawmaker-says-roseburg- shooti ng-prompted-fact-ti ndi n g- vi it-armedoccupation#stream /0
March 21, 2016
GOP lawmakers were asked to stay away from Oregon refuge occupation
https://v,7\¥\ .spokesman.com / rories/2016 /mar/2 I/gop- lawmakers -were -asked-to-sta) -away - from- refuge- /

53

 March 21, 2016
It's up to Republicans to hold Rep. Matt Shea accountable
hltps: //ww w.thestand.org/20 I 6/03/irs-up-to-gop-to-hold-rep-s 11ea-accountable/
March 21, 2016
Email to Representative Shea re: Ethics Complaint 2014 Nevada, 2016 Oregon
March 22, 2016
Timeline: Armed occupation at Oregon refuge
hrtps://v,1vw.kg\ .com/article/ne,Ns/local/ea tern-ore1rnn/timeline-armed-occupation-at -oregonrefuge/J83- I 1955767
March 23, 2016
Email from Representative Shea to Ethics Investigator with signed statement.
May 10, 2016
Ethics Committee finding released - Complaint 2016 - No. 4 (Doc 9) - Representative Shea
June 20, 2016
Representative Shea has scheduled "ACT Meeting" on his calendar.
June 24 - 26, 2016
W22 and Representative Shea attend MCF God and Country Celebration. Attendees include:
Assemblywoman Michele Fiore, NV, John Jacob Schmidt, Anne Byrd, Assemblywoman Shelly Shelton,
NV, Rep. Heather Scott, ID, and Pastor Shahrarn Hadian (FNU (Moore) held a round table plenary
session entitled "State of the Nation: You Should be Scared!"
June 20 - 28, 2016
An incident occurred in Twin Falls, ID involving juveniles that was later inaccurately reported over
Patriot Movement web sites as having been a gang rape at knifepoint of a juvenile by three Syrian
refugees. COWS involved itself in the incident and was reported as investigating to reveal the truth of the
incident. Representative Shea later repeated the false assertions on his radio program.
htips:// redoubtnews.corn /2 016/06/cows-i n esti!!ates-r in-falls- hi Id-rape/
The issue had earlier been refuted as false by the County Prosecutor ,vho said an incident occurred. but it
was not a rape, did not involve Syrian refugees and did not involve a knife . No additional information
was released due to the age of the victim and offenders who were all juveniles .
http · ://w,vw. idaho ratesman .com/news /nonhwest/id aho/article84829787 .htm I

July 7. 2016
Representative Shea aided and actively suppo11ed MCF "Team Rugged " training of children and young
adults to tight a holy war.
July - August 2016
W23 expressed concern about Representative Shea's extreme religious views and views of the 515tState.
August 5-6, 2016
Representative Shea held private meeting re: Provisional Government / Biblical Basis for War.
August 27, 2016
Representative Shea emailed Apparatus of Repression .

54

 September 12, 2016 - Inlander.com
Revealing Representative Shea presented Anthony Bosworth an award for Patriot of the Year for actions
at Malheur.
https: //wwv . inlander.com/8 log lander /arc hives /20 16/09/ I2/rep-mart-shea-presents-oregon-sta ndofffigure-bosworth-\ ith-20 I6-1 atriot -of-the -year-awar d
Bosworth quote from FB - "It was an honor to receive this award from my friend, fellow patriot, and
brother!"
November 8, 2016
Presidential Election Win - Donald Trump
Representative Shea won his bid for reelection in the general election against opponent Scott Stucker .

November 10, 2016
Patriot Radio podcast with Pastor Larry Byrd
http:// mattshea.podbean.com /mobile /e/patriot-radio- l l l 02016-pastor-ba ny b rd/? Loken=9ab6? I 0ac6c2b5e9a2e60 ? 8e986b7b08&fbclid = lwA RI oprZtXpnwn8vpfGeffWg8RwJv7X
676i73rBgFYOBtFkC5u6xeJ9tw
kU
November 27, 2016
Representative Shea surveillance on Opposition
December 7, 2016
Matt Shea, Bob Mccaslin propose creating new state called "Liberty" in Eastern Washington
https:// W\ . ookesman .com/ tories/2016 /dec/07/matt- shea-bob-m ccaslin-propo e-creating-newsrate- /
December 14, 2016
Spokane Valley City Council to vote on Rep. Shea's plan to split Washington, create state of
Liberty east of Cascades
https: //ww, .spokesman.com /sLOries/:?.016/dec / 14/spokane-valley-ci tv-co uncil -to-vote-o n-matt-sheas- /
2017
February 2, 2017
Spokane Valley Rep. Matt Shea elected GOP caucus leader in Washington House
hltps ://www .spokes man.com /srories /2017 /feb/02 / pokane-va Ilev-rep-mau- shea-elected-!!op -caucus-le /
March 1, 2017
Sheriffs deputy sues Rep. Matt Shea for defamation over erroneous comments linking him to having
sold the firearm used in a triple homicide .
ht tps://v-;v,
1w .spokesman .com/storie s/20 17/mar /OI/s heri ffa-deputv-sues -rep-matt- shea-for-defam ation/
March 7, 2017
Representative Shea emailed an encrypted emai I containing a dossier of Spokane city officials.,_
April 29, 2017
Drain the Swamp Rally
May 26, 2017
Judge rules that defamation lawsuit against Rep. Matt Shea can continue
https ://www .spokesman.com/stories /JO I 7/may/26 /j udge-ru Ies-that-defamation-la wsuit -ag-ainst-

rep-ma/

55

 May 30, 2017
Ve stal: Rep. Matt Shea makes a desperat e and silly attempt to shield himself from defamation
lawsuit
hrtps://www.spokesman .com/stories /20 17/mav/30/vesral -rep-matt-shea-makes-a-desperate-andsil ly-a/
October 9, 2017
Representative Shea abandoned use of email due to security threats.
October 29, 2017
Representative Shea engaged in violent chat.
December 15, 2017
Wooten memo released by Representative Shea
EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Matt Shea Exposes BLM Atrocities
hrtps://redoubtne\-vs.com/20 17/ 12/shea-exposes-b lm-atrocities /
December 16, 2017
Trial of the Century: Larry Wooten Expose on BLM
http ://redoubt ne, s.com/20 l 7/ 12/Larry-,vooten-expose-blm /
December 17, 2017
Rep. Shea Reveals MORE Breaking News About BLM
https ://redoubtnew .com/20 I 7/ 12/rep-shea-reveals-breaki ng-n~ws-blm/
December 28, 2017
Eastern Washington lawmaker w~lcomes mistrial
http ://www.sunn sidesun.com /news/eastern-washim[ton-lawmaker-welcome
misrrial/ariicle e340a728- I b47-5523-a4fc-fl 85c l 6b21 l 0.htrnl

-

2018
January 20, 2018
State of Liberty Rally in Colville, WA and Representative Shea presented vision for state .
https://www . outube.com/watch? v=LPZrn77dj94
The Stevens County Property Rights Group handed out a five-page informational brochure from their
November 191\ 2017 meeting detailing the progress of the 51st state initiative, their biblical view of the
state, and encouragement to purchase a Liberty State flag. The document advocated against the
legalization of marijuana as well as for the abolishment of the department of ecology and prohibited gay
marriage. Representative Shea was the primary speaker.
Approximately one week after the State of Liberty Rally, W23 posted a question to Representative Shea
on his Facebook page asking about his belief system and his vision for the 51 State. An online debate
ensued between W23 and Representative Shea until Representative Shea blocked W23 from his
(Representative Shea's) Facebook page.
During that same week, W22 had a conversation with Representative Shea as well as a text chat over their
secure communications app, encouraging him to connect with W23 over a beer. Representative Shea's
responded that "we do not owe Pagans the truth". This is similar language to that used in Representative
Shea's Biblical Basis for War, page 3 "Do not owe the truth to someone who will abuse it ".

56

 February 20, 2018
Bunkerville Standoff: Ryan Bundy Seeks Evidentiary Hearing on Wooten Memo
hnp s://nextrushfree .blogspot.com/20 18/02/bunkervi!le-slandoff-r an-b undy-seeks. html?m= I
February 2018
In a private chat group in which W22 was a participant, Anthony Bosworth wrote: "The communist
bastards need to be shot " and Representative Shea responded: "Communist Islam"
February 2018
Representative Shea wrote: "Please remember the first day of Ramadan begins Tuesday/Wednesday.
Higher likelihood of terror attacks. " Jack Robertson later wrote: "Wow. Ramadan began yesterday.
Avoid crowds when possible, be vigilant, stay armed and keep a combat rifle accessible when practical."
April 12, 2018
Bundy Prosecutor Steven Myhre is OUT
http ://redoubtnew .comL0 18/ 04/bundy-prosecutor-mvhre-out /
April 30, 2018
A Bundy Believer Heads to Oregon's Senate
http. ://oregonwi ld.org /about/blog /bundy-bel iever-head -oregon s- en ate/
May 18,2018
Shawn Vestal: The State of Liberty may not have a shot, but it's Heady Fiction
http ://www .spokesma11. om/srories/10 18/may/ 13/shawn-ves tal-tlie- tate-of-li be11V-mav-nor-have-a-s/
June 21, 2018
Red Pill Expo brings leading contrarians to Spokane
https ://www .spokes man.com/s rories/20 I 8/jun/21 /red-pill-expo-bring -leading -conspirac -theorists -/
June 2018
Anthony Bosworth chat regarding the occupation of an ICE facility in Portland: "I don't agree with
federal agents clubbing them. I think they should let the people club the commies . " He later added: " The
American people need to stomp communism to the dust. They need to be hunted down and destroyed. It's
not the government's job to do it. It is ours, the rightful heirs to liberty fought and won by our founders . "
July 2018
MCF God and Country Celebration
Speakers: Representative Shea, John Jacob Schmidt, Steve McLaughlin, Mark Herr, Jeanette Finicum,
wife of deceased LaVoy Finnicum
July 2018
Anthony Bosworth chat: "Every day shows more and more we are sitting on the edge of civil war between
two government factions . I don't think we are going to make another 6 years before we see shots fired. "
August 18, 2018
Representative Shea makes a speech at the "Liberty or Death Rally" at Franklin Park in Spokane.
Gun rights enthusiasts joined by Shea, Fagan at Franklin Park rally
Imps://-www.spokesman.com /srori es/20 I 8/a ug/ I 8/!!un-ri12ht-ent husiast - jo ined-by-s hea- fagan-at- fra/

57

 August 21, 2018
State Rep. Matt Shea calls journalists 'dirty, godless, hateful.' GOP leader says he remains
qualified for task force.
lmps ://www .sp kesman.com / tories /2018 /aug/2 I/shea-to-push-for-more-open-records-de spite-critici /
October S, 2018
Representative Shea was a scheduled speaker at John Birch Society weekend in Appleton, WT
jbs.org/ti les/60th-11 er.pdf
October 12, 2018
Matt Shea to join Ammon Bundy at far-right gathering in Whitefish, Montana
https: //www . poke man.com /storie /2018 /oct/ 12/matt-shea-ro-join-ammon -bundv-ac-far -right-gather i/
October 13, 2018
Representati ve Shea was a speake r along with Ammon Bundy at the New Code of the West Conference
held in Whitefish , Montana .
http ://www .spokesman.com /stories /_Q18/oct/ 1_/matt- hea-to-join-amrn n-bund -at-far-r ie.ht-gathering/
October 14, 2018
The Guardian - Republicans Join Far Right Figures at Montana Anti-Government Event
htrps ://W\V\ .theguardian.com /us-news /_Q18/oct/ 14/ammon -bund -republ icans-far-riirht-figures-mo ntana anti-g,overnment-event
October 23, 2018
Something'sBrewingin the DeepRed West- Rep. Matt Shea has been trying to create a libertarian utopia in
the Pacific Northwest, a Slst state called Liberty. And he keeps getting re-elected.
hu ps ://www .rollingstone .com/politics /politics-features /matt-shea-washington -state-liberty-744850/
October 2018
The Biblical Basis of War was released through Facebook .
W22 was present when the Biblical Basis for War along with the Restoration document was released at a
secret meeting in 2017 . Representativ e Shea responded to the release of the Biblical Basis for War in a
video where he admitted writing the document, claiming it was sermon notes and not a plan of war. W22
claims Representative Shea was untruthful in his response.
October 2S, 2018
Representative Shea responded in video to the release of Biblical Basis of War .
hLlps://www .facebook .com /mattshea, a/video ·/10217376787157811 /
October 26, 2018
Representative Shea responded again to the release of info.
http ://www.facebook.com /mattsheawa/ ideos/ 1Q_l 7384_55624518 /
October 31, 2018
Ken Peters and Gabe Blomgren of Covenant Church weighed in on the Representative Shea's BBW
release.
hrtps ://www.facebook..com/pastorkenrp /videos / 101- 63205-l5043074 /

58

 October 31, 2018
Spokane G0P leader authors 'Biblical Basis for War' manifesto calling for end to abortion, samesex marriage and death of enemies who disagree
http ://www.nydai l ynews.co m /news/ny- news-spoka□e- po IiLi ian-mact-shea-b ibl ical-warm an ife to20 18103 1-stoi .html
October 31, 2018
Rep. Matt Shea takes credit, criticism for document titled 'Biblical Basis for War'
http :/h,v-w,v.spokesman.com/stor ie /20 18/oct/26 / rep-mal t-shea-tak es-credit-criticism-for-docurn ent-/
November 1, 2018
At least one of Rep. Matt Shea's campaign donors wants money back
https ://w\V\ .spokesrnan.co rn/ stor ie /20 l 8/oct/3 1/at-leas t-one-of-rep-rna n-sheas-cam paig n-donors-wan /
November 1, 2018
FBI investigating Washington state rep. for manifesto urging 'all males' will be killed
https: //thehiI1.com/homenews /state -watch /4 14450-fbi-i nvesti gaLing,-wash irnrton-srare-rep - for-rnanife tour J ing-a lI-ma les
November 2, 2018
AT&T, Washington Realtors seek Shea campaign refunds over 'Biblical Basis for War' manifesto
https ://w
.spokesman. comhori es/2018 /nov/0 I /an- a§hi ngton-real cors-seek-shea -carnpai gn-refunds/
November 6, 2018
Matt Shea, Bob Mccaslin sweep Democratic hopefuls in Spokane Valley's 4th Legislative District
hrtps:// ww . pokesman.com /stor ies/2018 /nov /06/shea-rnccaslin-swee p-clemocrat.ic-hopeful -in-spokane /
November 7, 2018
Washington divided? Support for formation of 51st state appears to be gaining
momentum in 2018
http://wv .ifiberone.corn / co lurnbia basin/wash ington -dividecl-support - for-forma1ion of-st-state -ap pears-to/arricle 27ec 7a6a-e2b c- l l e8-bea 1- bb4a86b8723b.html
November 27, 2018
Matt Shea Loses Leadership Position
https://www .krern.com/art icle/news/loca l/spokane -county/stale -rep-malt- hea-lo e -leadersh ip-positionin-olympia /29 ....-6 182397 19/
December 7, 2018
Embattled Washington Rep. Matt Shea is skirting state law to funnel campaign funds to far-right
groups
http ://ww,v .splcemer.o rg/hatewatch/10 18/ 12/07/embattlecl-wash ington -rep-mart-shea - skirt ing-state law-funne l-campaign -funds -far-ri!!ht
December 16, 2018
Shea Donations
http ://www .5pokesma n.com/stories /20 l 8/dec/ 16/shea-donations-fro m- urp lus-campaien -monev -prom pt-

L

59

 2019
January 18, 2019
Rep. Matt Shea urges crowd to resist gun restrictions with firearms 'behind every blade of grass'
hrrps://www.sp kesman.com/srorie /20 19/jan / 18/ rep-matt-shea-urges-crowd-to-resisHrnn-restrictio /
January 29, 2019
Matt Shea podcast with John Jacob Schmidt - Politics of the Day
https ://mattshea. podbean.com /e/malt-shea- , ith-j ohn-jacob-schm idt-po Iitics-of-lhe-day/
March 14, 2019
Matt Shea podcast with co-host John Jacob Schmidt examine major world events that impact
America and provide legislative updates from Washington's capitol city, Olympia.
http ://mattshea .podbean.com/e/matt-shea-with-co-hos1-john-jacob-schmidt-crilical-world-e
ent legislative-upd.are/
March 24, 2019
Liberty State Townhall: Guns Taxes and Soviet Islamic Terror:
http ://WW\· .columbiabasinhe rald.com/local news/20190324 /liberty state town hall guns tax.es and s
oviet i larnic terror
March 28, 2019
Matt Shea podcast with co-host John Jacob Schmidt - The War on Christianity
https://mattshea .podbean.com /e/rep-mart-shea-wilh-co-ho t-john-jacob-schmidt -the-war-on-chri tianit /
April 18, 2019
Matt Shea podcast - John Jacob Schmidt - The Truth: Expose' on the Battles Being Fought by
Rep. Matt Shea
htlps ://matr hea. pod bean .co m/e/j oh n-i acob-sc hrn idt-the-truth-expose-of- rhe-bartl es-being-fought-bv-repmatt-shea/
April 20, 2019
Release of information to Jason Wilson for Guardian Article
https://W\V\N.U1eguardian.com
/ world /2019/apr /20/matt-shea-li ghtwine.-m ssages-chat-records
W22 received a threat from an individual via Facebook messenger, that he would go to his/her home to
"visit" him/her and then claimed to be former Israeli Defense Force. W22 understood the threat to be in
retaliation for releasing information on Representative Shea.
The same individual also threatened W22 and W23 with violence on different Facebook groups. The
witnesses did not previously know the individual nor how he is connected to Representative Shea.

April 21, 2019
Matt Shea Accused of Running Surveillance
hllps://ww-v .khq .com/news/wash ington-state-rep-matt-shea-accused-of-runni
on/v ideo 97378d54 -6496-l I e9-9bc9-d3)30C0a706 .html

ng-survei 11ance-

60

 April 22, 2019
Unhinged Left attempts Another Tiresome Attack
http :// redoubtnews.com /2019 /04/unhinged-left-attempts-another-tiresome
attack/? fb lid=lwAR3p MbTRkrl3R.RymPZV
1UIOKvq65OuK TWfiNMEkhdOXogc!!KPvO,.,FBA
https ://www. thestranger.com /slog/20 l 9/04/~-1399864 74/washingt n-republican-matt - hea-al leged lvproposed -spvine -on- pokane -residents /
April 23, 2019
Spokane area Democrats condemn Rep. Matt Shea after investigative report surfaces
https: //ww, .kre111.com/art ic le/news /politics /s pokane -area -democrat -c ndemn-rep -matt -shea -afterinvestigative -report -surfaces / 293-bcbc46c8-4485-4c0e-85f5-4 70dad l ba527
April 24, 2019
Matt Shea: I do background checks on people who threaten me
lmps ://mvnorthwesL.com/ , ....57982/matt -shea -responds -chat-controversv /?
April 24, 2019
Rep. Matt Shea links to white nationalist website, defends running background checks on political
opponents
https ://www .spokesman.com /stor ies/20 l 9/apr/24 /rep-matt- hea-l inks-Lo-v.hite-nal iona list-website-d /
April 25, 2019
Rep. Matt Shea doesn't deserve a place in the Republican Party
https: //www. seattletime .com/opinion /editorials /rep-matt -s hea-doesnt -deserv e-a-place-in -the -republican ~
April 27, 2019
Rep Matt Shea was part of violent 2017 chat from the beginning
https: //ww-w.krem .com /article /ne>i:s/local /s pokane-county /state -reP:matt -shea -loses-leadershiP:posilionin-olympia/
April 27, 2019
House GOP to Review Shea Reports
hltps: //.,vv.rw.spokesman.com /stories /20 I 9/apr/27 /house -iwp-to-review -shea -reports/
May 1, Z019
W22 Released information to Jason Wilson for Guardian Article
http ://www.theg uardian .com /us-news /2019 /rnay/Ol /repub lican-matt -shea-rightwing-ra llv-mms
May 3, 2019
Democrats urge reprimand of Rep. Matt Shea
https: //mvnorthwest.com / 1373 I I • /democrats-demand -reprimand -matt-shea/ ?
May 4, 2019
Tina Podlodowski: Washington GOP has many reasons to oust Shea
https:/ /www.spokesm an.com / toriesf"l0 l 9/mav /04/tina-podlodowski-wa hington-gop-has-manv-reason

-

!L
May 4, 2019
House Democrats call for investigation into Spokane Valley state Rep. Matt Shea
hltps: //wwvv. pokesman.com /stories /20 19/mav/03/house-dernocrats-call-fi r-investigalion-into-shea /

61

 May 5, 2019
Spin Control: State Democrats' talk doesn't match actions in alarm raised about Matt Shea
https: //www .spokesma n.com/stories /20 I 9/may /05/spin-control-state -democrats-talk-doesnt-match-act

/

May 7, 2019
Rep. Shea's secret group discussed sending severed wolftail and testicles to environmental activist
http§://M -:v.in lander .com/spokane /rep-sheas-secret-g:roup-d iscussed-send ing-severed-wo If-tai I- andtesticles-to-environmental-activist/Content?oid=17572893
May 9, 2019
W22 Released "Party Animal" chat information to Jason Wilson for Guardian Article
lmps: //t \V\ .theguardian .com /world /20 I 9/mav /09/matt-shea-republ ican-stokes-fears-civi 1-warconspi racv-theori es
Whistleblower who leaked Rep. Matt Shea's chat logs accuses lawmaker of Christian domination
agenda
https: //\
.spokesman.com /stories /20 ! 9/may/09/whis tleblower-\ , ho-leaked-rep-matt-sheas-\chat-logs- /
May 14, 2019
Alliance Defending Freedom has an extremely shady network of thousands of attorneys
http s ://, v .med iamalters .org /al1iance-de fending-freedom /al Iiance -defendi n g-freedom-has -extrem e lyshady-network -thousand s?red irect ource= /blog /::!019/05/ I 4/ Al Iiance-Defend ing-F reedom -has-anextreme ly-shady-nerwo rk-of-thou and -of-atrorneys/2 23702
May 14, 2019
Matt Shea podcast - Guest host John Jacob Schmidt interviews James Rawles (survivalist author
and editor of SurvivalBog.com)
hllp :// mattshea .pod bean. com /e/jarnes-wes 1ev-raw Ie -guest-host-j ohn-j acob -schm idt/
May23,2019
Liberty State Rally, Spokane, WA
June 10, 2019
How a Right-Wing Network Mobilized Sheriffs' Departments
ht tp ://,V\ w .politicalresearch .org/2019 /06/ I 0/how-a -right-wing-network-mobi Iized- he ri ffs-departments
June 19, 2019
Matt Shea podcast - Jeanette Finicum
http :// mattshea .podbean.com /e/jeanette-fi nicum/
July, 2019
Bundyville: The Remnant Chapter 4: The Preacher and the Politician The Remnant
http :// longreads .com/20 19/07 / 18/bundyvil te-the-remnant -chapter-four -lhe-prea'Cher-and-the-pol itician /
July 2019
Bundyville: The Remnant Chapter 5: Anne
https ://lonl:!reads.com/_0 19/07/ 19/bundvville-the-remnant-chapter

-five-rhe-remnant/

July 29, 2019
Independent Team Signed for Shea Investigation
https:// www .spokesman .com/stories / _QI 9/jul/29/independent-team-signed-for-

hea-i nve Ligation/

62

 August 2, 2019
WA Dems and Their Emotional Vendetta
https:/ /redoubtnews .com /2019 /08/washimrton-dems-em

tional-vendetta/

August 14, 2019
Revealed: Republican lawmaker aided group training young men for 'biblical warfare'
hnps: //wW\ .theguard ian.com /world /20 19/aug / 13/man-shea-biblical-war-washinirton-team-rugp_ed/
August 18, 2019
More from the Matt Shea files: GPS trackers, a 'provisional government' and a hunt for moles
lmp s://w,;,v,;.spokesrnan.com /stories /2019 /aug/18/rno re- from- the-shea-files-gps -trackers-a-provisiona/
August 19, 2019
Spokane City Council Members, other leaders call for Shea resignation
https://www .spokesman.com / rories/20 19/aug/19 / pokane-city-council-member -other-leade rs-reporre /
August 20, 2019
Spokane Mayor David Condon, police Chief Craig Meidl say state Rep. Matt Shea is unfit for office
http :// www .spokesman.corn /stories /20 I 9/aug/20/spokane-mavor-david-condon-pol
ice-chief -crai !!.-mei d/
August 21, 2019
It's up to Matt Shea Voters to do the Right Thing
https: //www.spok.esman.com /srories / ~0 I 9/auf!./2 1/. hawn-vesral-its-up-to-man-shea

-voters-to-do-the /

August 21, 2019
To expel or not to expel Matt Shea, that may be the question
https :// W\V\ .hera ldneLcom /news /ro-expel-or -n ot-to -exp l-matt-shea-1hat-may-be-the-guestion /
August 29, 2019
Whistleblower links Rep. Matt Shea to document describing creation of theocratic 'redoubt'
territory
http :/1\"
vww. pokesman .com/ tories/?0 '19/aug/29 /whistleblowcr-1 inks-rep-matt-shea-to -document-desc/
August 30, 2019
Letter: Faith Leaders and Leaders of Conscience call for the removal of Rep. Matt Shea
https ://www.inlander.com /spokane /readers-respond /Contem?oid= 18191415
September 3, 2019
Some Corporate Donors Shy Away from Washington Rep Matt Shea After Controversies
ht ps://ww,.v.seattleri mes .com/seatt Ie-news/po Iiti cs/some-corporate-donors -shy-a wav-from-wash in e:tonre p-matr-shea-after-con tro ersics /
September 4, 2019
Liberty state proponents push plan to secede from Washington at Moses Lake press conference
http ://www.spoke man.com /stories /'.2019/sep/0..J./libertv-state -proponents -pu h-plan-to-secede-from- /
September 19, 2019
The Execution ofLaVoy Finicum: Lawsuit Dismissed
https://ncrenegade .corn/edi rorial/the-execution-of- la ov-li n icum-la" suit -d ismissed /

63

 September 24, 2019
Spokane Valley town hall calls out Rep. Matt Shea, white supremacy in community
https://ww,v. kxly. com/news/ pokane-valley-town-hal I-calls-out-reD-ma n- hea-wh ite-suprem acv-incommunitv/ 11::!4993470
September 26, 2019
An apocalyptic book series shows the type of society Rep. Matt Shea and his allies dream of
rebuilding
https://\II\"' .inlander. comis pok.ane/an-apoca Ivptic-book-series-shm vs-the-tvpe-of-soc ietv-rep-matt-sheaand-h is-allies-dream-of-rebuilding/Content?oid= l 8345627
September 30, 2019
Investigation into Rep. Matt Shea continues longer than expected
https://mvnorthwe t.com/ 1535865/matt-shea-inve tigation-continues/amp/
September 30, 2019
Democrats Increase Pressure on Corporations to Cut Ties with Matt Shea
http. ://www.thestranger.com/ log/20 l 9/09/30/41536694/democrats-increase-pressure-on-corporation -tocut-ties-with-matt-shea
October 10, 2019
Radical Islamic Ideology in the United Nations - Representative Shea presentation
http ://v,ww.thenewamerican.com/world-news/item/33645-matt-shea-radical-islamic-ideologv-in-rheunited-nations

In this video presentation, Representative Shea spoke of Christian Dominionism as something he believes
in and does not deny. His topic included an analysis of the "World Underground Movement Plan" that
included l) discreet and secret leadership, 2) infiltration of the US Government, establishing a shadow
government, 4) use of media to discredit and detract, 5) open confrontation with the government and 6)
training on the use of weapons domestically.
October 11, 2019
"Washington State Lawmaker Espouses Hatred of Muslims in Video."
htlps://,. W\ .courlhousenews.com/washington-state-lawmaker-espouses-hatred-of-muslims-in-video/
October 28, 2019
Representative Shea produced a video on YouTube entitled, "Rep. Matt Shea Exposes the Real Threats
We Face Spokane WA." 110
November 1, 2019
The Washington Post published an article entitled, "Ammon Bundy, Anti-Government Militant
Accuses House Witness in Man's Death" in which Ammon Bundy accused Hamey County
Commissioner Dan Nichols as an FBI Informant who helped murder LaVoy Finicum.
November 7, 2019
Representative Shea posted on his Facebook page at 1:07 pm accusing Jason Wilson, the reporter who has
been reporting on him for the past year or longer, of being linked directly to Antifa. Representative Shea
goes on to say, "They keep attacking me like they are attacking President Trump. In fact, they use many

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 of the same smears. That 's because we are exposing them for the Deep State Socialists they are. They will
not win. We will keep exposing them .... Socialism will not win in America."
November 8, 2019
"Secret Chats Involving Republican Lawmaker Reveal Fresh Evidence of Plots and Paranoia"
https://w- v.theguardian .com/world/20 I 9/nov/08/matt-shea- republ ican-far-ri ght-leaked -chats washinglon -state
This article pertains to more leaked online chat exchanged between Representative Shea and others from
October 2017 through October 2018, and points to his association with other former and "aspiring rightwinged" politicians from Washington and Idaho alongside activists associated with militia groups, antienvironmental causes, and pro-gun activism. The article calls out the chat participants by name to
include name Rep . Heather Scott, Idaho, John Jacob Schmidt referred to as "broadcaster and Shea
lieutenant", Anthony Bosworth, "patriot movement activist" and Anne Byrd who leads the Marble
Community Church. Investigators obtained screenshots of the chat referenced in this news report and
confirmed Representative Shea's preparation for an economic and societal collapse . Lindsay Schubiner, a
program director at the Washington States Center was quoted as saying, "The chat messages reveal Shea
acting more like a militia leader than an elected official. His conspiratorial and violent mindset are on
full display. "
November 8, 2019
The US Government filed an appeal in the US District Court of Nevada in the Cliven Bundy Bunkerville,
Nevada armed standoff matter.
November 20, 2019
Representative Shea waited for and confronted W22 near his automobile parked outside a Spokane
restaurant shouting insults and taunts at him to bystanders.

65

 Section 4: Political Violence
This investigation determined Representative Shea is an active and influential leader of the Patriot
Movement in the US . He supports the movement and its causes and at times is an active participant in
organizing and carrying out demonstrations against state and federal government activities. He has on
occasion organized and directed armed confrontations with law enforcement officers.

A . The Patriot Movement
The Patriot Movement is defined as "a collection of conservative, independent , mostly rural, small
government, American nationalist social movements in the United States that include organized militia
members, tax protesters, sovereign or state citizens, quasi-Christian apocalypticists/survivalists, and
combinations thereof. 111 It is viewed as a movement that sees itself as losing power and mobilizes through
conspiracy theories and apocalyptic narratives that are engrained in its members and their children. In the
white supremacist version, the producers are white, the elites are Jewish, the lazy and sinful are the people
of color. The Western Patriot Movement sees the producers as farmers and ranchers and the elite as
socialists , the Federal Reserve , the banking system, and the subversive groups as Muslims, Syrian
refugees and Black Lives Matter. Conspiracy thinking is a common element in these ideologies and the
driver that sees the elite and subversive groups as plotting against common people .
Varied beliefs and motivations make up the Patriot Movement but they share four common ingredients:
(I) an obsessive suspicion of their government; (2) a deep-seated hatred and fear offederal authorities; (3)
belief in far-reaching conspiracy theories; and (4) a feeling that Washington D.C. bureaucrats have
discarded the U.S . Constitution. Most of the individuals in this antigovernment movement also feel that a
cold war of sorts is being waged between freedom-loving patriots and federal officials and believe it will
escalate into a violent conflict. Many have organized themselves into heavily armed militias, most of
which function contrary to state laws prohibiting private armies. 112
The Patriot Movement is believed to have begun in the late 1950' s with the formation of the John Birch
Society and opposition to the United Nations, communism, the civil rights movement, and the promotion
of white supremacy and antisemitism. The Patriot Movement's prevalence grew after the confrontations
at Ruby Ridge and Waco in the early 1990's. The Oklahoma City bombing was carried out by two Patriot
Movement members, Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols. During the 1990's the movement organized
further, using gun shows and the advancement of the Internet as a means of communication. The number
of Patriot Groups operating in the US have fluctuated through the years and grew from 149 in 2008 to
1360 in 2012. It is believed to have grown as the result of the election of Former President Barack
Obama, the nation's first African American President , and the belief that the white majority in the United
States was on the decline.
Conspiracy theories among the Patriot Movement include the belief that the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) is building concentration camps; Muslim Sharia law is becoming part of
the United States court system, and Mexico is covertly planning the repatriation of the Southwest United
States . These shared conspiracy theories have contributed to the growth of the Patriot Movement.

B. Patriot Movement Connections to Violence
The Patriot Movement is associated with high incidents of violence. The 1992 standoff at Ruby Ridge , ID
that resulted in three deaths , the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing of the Murrah Federal Building that killed
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 168 persons, the 2014 standoff at the Bundy ranch in Bunkerville, NV and the armed takeover at the
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Hamey County Oregon are all attributed to the Patriot Movement.
Aside from these well-publicized armed conflicts, the Patriot Movement attracts individuals with little
inhibition toward acts of violence. This is evident by the arrests of its members for various violent
crimes. There is no shortage of incidents to support this assertion. To name only a few:
•
•
•
•

•
•

•
•
•

2001: A North Carolina sheriffs deputy was killed during a traffic stop by a leader of the
Kentucky Militia who was also an adherent of Christian Identity Theory theology.
2009: Mark Wayne McCool, the onetime leader of the Texas Militia, was arrested for making
plans to attack the Houston Federal Building.
20 l 0: Missouri police arrested Richard Cobley for making improvised explosive devices after he
allegedly threatened to blow up the Rolla,, MO Police Department.
2010: Mike Vanderboegh, a former Alabama militiaman and founder of the patriot group The
Three Percenters, called on followers to protest health care reform by breaking the windows of
local Democratic Party offices. This call to action resulted in reports of broken windows in
Democratic offices across the country
20 l 0: Brody James Whitaker was arrested for allegedly shooting at two Florida State Troopers
then declaring at his arraignment, "I am a sovereign" ... "I am not an American citizen".
2014: Jerad and Amanda Miller, Patriot Movement participants who were present at the Bundy
Standoff, killed two police officers and a civilian during a violent shooting rampage in Las
Vegas, Ne::va<la.They had pi1rned a note on one of the victims that said, "This is the beginning of
the revolution."
2015: A III% militia member was arrested with a firearm and homemade explosives on the
University of Arkansas campus.
2015: A III% supporter shot 5 people at a Black Lives Matter encampment in Minneapolis,
Minnesota.
2016: A III% militia member was arrested for threatening former President Obama.

C. Representative Shea's Connections to the Patriot Movement
Representative Shea is a self-professed member of the Patriot Movement 113,and although Representative
Shea is not believed to consider himself a member of a militia, he is closely associated with several
militia groups, their activities, and prominent militia members. 114 He is also closely associated with the
Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (CSPOA) and Marble Community Fellowship;
two organizations closely aligned with the Patriot Movement.' 15

D. Associations with Militia Groups
111% Militia

III% militia, also styled 3%ers and THREE PERCENTERS, is a loosely organized nationwide militia
group whose members pledge protest and armed resistance against governmental attempts to curtail
constitutional rights. The group's name derives from an erroneous claim that only three percent of the
population of the thirteen colonies took up arms against the Kingdom of Great Britain during the

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 American Revolution. The movement was co-founded by Michael "Mike" Vanderboegh who died in
2016.
Vanderboegh self-published a serial novel online, Absolved, in 2008 which he called "a cautionary tale for
the out-of-control gun cops of the ATF". Vanderboegh and his novel Absolved first received wide media
attention in 2011, when four suspected militia members in Georgia were arrested for an alleged plan of a
biological attack that had supposedly been inspired by the novel. Vanderboegh distanced himself from
the alleged plot.
III% militia state they are not anti-government and will support the government as long as the government
"abide- by the Constitution , doesn't overstep its bounds, and remains for the people and by the peopl e. "
116 The goal of the organization is to cal I out epi odes of government overreach and to "push back against
tyranny." Ill% militia are believers in a strict and literal interpretation of the Constitution and believe the
courts and Congress have deviated significantly from the intent of the Founding Fathers.
Representative Shea was connected to the III% militia through his close association with founder Mike
Vanderbough until his death in 2016. Vanderbough was a guest speaker at an anti I-594 rally at the
Washington State Capitol where he spoke with a rifle strapped across his back. He was also present at the
same type of rally in Spokane, WA. Vanderboegh was mentioned in Representative Shea ' s Operations
Plan and Warning Order dated January 4, 2016, regarding the militia "call up" to the armed occupation at
the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in 2016. It is more probable than not that Mike Vanderbough was
one of the recipients of the Ops Order sent by Representative Shea to recipients using code named
encrypted email accounts. Although Vanderbough did not support the takeover at Malheur National
Wildlife Refuge, a group of 3%ers ofldaho dispatched to the refuge to "secure the perimeter." . 117 They
left several hours after their arrival when they were told their assistance was not needed.
The presence of armed militias in Burns, Oregon led to an epidemic of threats of violence against
community members, the County Judge, the Sheriff and his family, federal employees, state troopers, a
leader in the Paiute Tribe, and the Governor of Oregon during the armed occupation at Malheur.

Liberty for All- Washington III% militia (LFA3%)
Representative Shea is closely associated with Anthony Bosworth, the known leader of the LF AWashington III%, an offshoot of the national III% militia. Bosworth has a history of arrests for violent
offenses and is frequently seen at public events with Representative Shea where he reportedly serves as
his security guard.
In 2015 Bosworth was arrested by US Marshals as he attempted to enter the Federal Court Building in
Spokane, WA armed with a rifle. Representative Shea later supported Bosworth at a rally on the
courthouse steps where many of the demonstrators were armed.
Representative Shea is known to have dispatched Bosworth to the armed takeover and occupation of
Federal property at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in January 2016 to serve as security for the
insurgents. While at the refuge during the occupation, Bosworth posted pictures on his Facebook page of
FBI video surveillance cameras that had been removed from the refuge. Hands could be seen holding the
cameras in the photograph and Bosworth boasted in the online post they were his hands.

116
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 Confidential sources reported that the armed insurgents occupying the property built three explosive
devices that were intended to be mailed to the Hamey County Judge, the Harney County Sheriff, and one
to be rigged as a booby trap for law enforcement officers upon their entry into the compound. The
explosive devices were never deployed and were not located following the occupation.
Prior to the end of the occupation, Bosworth communicated to LF A 3%ers through Facebook that all
members were to stand down and members are now taking orders directly from COWS (Coalition of
Western States), a group led by Representative Shea. Later that same year Bosworth posted a photo of
Representative Shea awarding him with the Patriot of the Year Award. 118
Citizens for Constitutional Freedom (C4CF)
C4CF is the name given by Ammon Bundy to the occupiers of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.
Many of the occupiers were also associated with other militia groups including a takeover leader, Jon Eric
Ritzheimer , who is associated with the III% militia and formerly associated with the Oath Keepers. A
total of35 people from 13 states participated in the armed takeover and occupation , many of whom had
prior arrests for felonies and various violent offenses. Some had also participated in the Bunkerville, NV
armed standoff with Federal officials at the Bundy Ranch over unpaid grazing leases.
Representative Shea attended and actively supported the armed standoff at the Bundy Ranch. He planned
and orchestrated key portions of the takeover at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in addition to
dispatching at least one participant to the refuge.
Shortly after the takeover, Representative Shea and state officials from three states met with Harney
County and FBI officials and were told to stay away from the refuge, to not offer encouragement or
support to the insurgents. Representative Shea and the others then drove directly to the refuge where they
met with the insurgents.
Unknown to the Harney County and law enforcement officials in the meeting, Representative Shea and
his group were part of the leadership of the Coalition of Western States (COWS). The COWS group
formed following the Bunkerville, NV standoff at the Bundy Ranch to foster the conveyance of Federal
land to state and local governments and private individuals. Representative Shea was one of the founders
of the organization and serves as its Chairman . Anthony Bosworth (mentioned earlier in this report) was
also a founder of COWS and was initially listed on COWS publications as a Member of the Board of
Directors. His name was later removed from listings of the Board following his being dispatched by
Representative Shea as a participant in the takeover at Malheur. 119
Operation Mutual Defense (OMD)
OMO is an offshoot of the III% militia and is a network that largely exists to funnel manpower resources
and equipment to militia groups who are engaged in tactical operations such as the takeover of the
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. It is a self•proclaimed network of volunteers , citizens , activists and
militia, dedicated to furthering a government , by the people, free from oppressive intrusion , overreach and
aggression, through training and implementation of established defensive postures, at optimal tactical
positions, in relation to the people or property in need. 120

118
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 OMO is led by an advisory board that includes Ryan Payne, who was a leader in the armed takeover of
the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge along with Jon Ritzheimer. Both were later arrested by the FBI for
crimes against the Government.
Representative Shea is connected to OMO through his association with the armed takeover of the
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge where OMO provided resources, personnel (including the leadership
of Jon Ritzheimer and Ryan Payne), and communications support. He is also connected through his close
associations with the Bundy family and his involvement in the Bunkerville standoff with Federal
authorities where Ryan Payne was an active participant as well as a source of manpower and resources for
the Bundy's.
Oath Keepers

Oath Keepers was founded by Elmer Stewart Rhodes in 2008 and identifies as a non-partisan association
of current and formerly serving military, police, and first responders who pledge to fulfill the oath all
military and police take to "defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic." Oath
Keepers declare that they will not obey unconstitutional orders, such as orders to disarm the American
people, to conduct warrantless searches, or to detain Americans as "enemy combatants" in violation of
their right to jury trial.
Oath Keepers share an ideology similar to that of the III% militia and there is cross over between the
groups. They believe current government has strayed from a strict and literal interpretation of the
Constitution. Oath Keepers recognize elected county sheriffs as the only legitimate law enforcement
authorities.
Many of the beliefs articulated by Representative Shea mirror those held by the Oath Keepers militia.
Representative Shea was a speaker at the first annual "Northwest Patriots Self-Reliance Rally" in 2013
that was sponsored by the Oath Keepers where he told attendees to ''prepare for the inevitable collapse
that is going to happen" and urged the crowd to consider it an opportunity to stock up on thousands of
rounds of ammunition. He also told them, "You have to stand up for what is right - even if it means you
have to stand up to your government." 121
In 2014 Representative Shea attended a meeting at a Spokane area Mexican Restaurant with at least 4
other men. One man was identified as Stewart Rhodes, founder of Oath Keepers and another is known as
Elias Alias, an officer of Oath Keepers and prominent blogger for the organization. During the meeting,
witnesses overheard the men discussing militia, weapons, stockpiling ammunition, Bundy Ranch, Special
Forces and snipers. They passed around what was believed to be a night vision scope and a map. The
names Stewart Rhoades and Ryan Payne were overheard during the meeting and the witnesses, fearing
the men were planning a domestic terror attack, reported the incident to police after photographing the
participants. Representative Shea, Rhodes and Elias Alias can be clearly identified in the photos.
Lightfoot Militia

The Lightfoot Militia identifies with the Patriot Movement and claims their name was derived from the
late 18th century naming convention for British infantry units that were called "Foot" (foot soldiers) and
Light infantry units were called "Light Foot" . Since the Lightfoot claim they will not have much in the
way of supply lines or support elements in a crisis, they plan to "live off the land and resupply off the
enemy ." Hence , the name "Light Foot Militia".

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 The Lightfoot Militia was created following the election of President Barack Obama. It claims to be a
"decentralized organization " comprised of geographically formed battalions . Their webs ite
(www.lightfootmilitia.com) contains multiple exculpatory statements referring to their belief that their
organizations are authorized under the 2nd Amendment and specifically state they do not advocate
violence or the overthrow of the U.S Government.
This group has strong links to 2nd Amendment advocacy groups and one of its core causes is the
preservation of gun rights. Lightfoot "Battalions" exist in most states and identify themselves as
constitutionally protected citizen militias that exist to support governmental entities in times of crisis.
Lightfoot members train for self-preservation in the event of a natural disaster or the collapse of central
government and preach the doctrine of preparedness. The 63 Lightfoot Militia is the local Spokane-area
militia chapter of the larger Lightfoot Militia.
Representative Shea is ideologically aligned with the Lightfoot Militia and has utilized individual 63 rd
Lightfoot Militia members to provide armed security service s for campaign events. He has also attended
public events organized by his supporters that utilize Lightfoot Militia members as security guards . In
one such event, a public 51 st State informational meeting in Spokane, Representative Shea was present
when armed 63 rd Lightfoot Militia members, acting as security, denied entry to the event to individuals
who had earlier questioned Representative Shea's vision of the proposed 51 st State's organization and
leadership structure . The individuals denied entrance had posted questions on Facebook asking if
Representative Shea ' s ideas were not similar in nature to a theocracy . 122

Pacific Patriots Network (PPN)
PPN is a loosely organized conglomeration of various groups like the III% militia, Oath Keepers and
Lightfoot Militia Battalions. This group was organized in reaction to the Bundy and Malheur armed
standoffs. During the Malheur armed occupation, PPN issued demands for the arrest of the Special Agent
in Charge of the FBI, the Harney County Judge, the Sheriff and two county commissioners . To enforce
their demands, they issued a call to action for all Americans to come and stand with them in Burns, OR .
PPN is connected to Representative Shea through their common engagements in the armed occupation at
Malheur and the armed standoff with Federal Law Enforcement Officers at Bunkerville , NV .

E. Other Organizations
Coalition of Western States (COWS)
COWS is comprised of a group of politicians from Montana , Washington , Utah, Arizona , and Nevada.
According to its Facebook page, this group is "a coalition of legislators, statesman and patriots united to
stop unconstitutional actions against United States citizens." 123
COWS was formed on April 14, 2014 as a result of the Bunkerville, NV armed standoff between Cliven
Bundy and his supporters, and Federal Law Enforcement Officers. COWS was founded by
Representative Matt Shea, Washington State ; Assemblywoman Michele Fiore, Nevada; Barry Weller,
Vice Chairman, District III, Apache County Board of Supervisors (County Commissioner equivalent);
and Rep David Taylor , District 15, Washington State .

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 Between April 2014 and December 2015, leaders of COWS included Representative Shea, Washington;
Assemblywoman Michele Fiore, Nevada; Representative Heather Scott, Idaho; former Representative
Graham Hunt, Washington; former Representative David Taylor, Washington; County Elected
Coordinator Robert Corbell, Arizona; Richard Mack, Founder of the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace
Officers Association; Steve McLaughlin, head of Liberty Watch of Washington; Cope Reynolds, head of
Liberty for All-Arizona; Anthony Bosworth, head of Liberty for All-Washington; Gavin Seim, organizer
of the "I Will Not Comply" rally 2014; Lyle Rapacki, Ph.D., Arizona; and KrisAnne Hall, constitutional
speaker.
Following Anthony Bosworth being dispatched by Representative Shea to participate in the January 2016
armed takeover and 41-day occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, references to him as a
member of the board were removed from COWS documents.
In addition to the armed standoff at Bunkerville and the armed takeover and occupation of Malheur
National Wildlife Refuge, Representative Shea was involved in two additional armed conflicts that may
have also been under the auspice of COWS. There was a confrontation with Bureau of Land
Management at the Sugar Pine Mine near Gal ice, OR in April 2015, as well as the Priest River, ID
standoff with the Veterans Administration in August 2015.
Both incidents involved conflicts with federal authorities where armed militia members were called into
action against employees of the Federal Government. In both situations, operation plans were developed
similar to those developed and used to assign responsibilities and guide the actions of Representative
Shea and participants in other operational activities.
The Sugar Pine Mine operations plan was entitled "Oregon Deployment - Operation Green Ledge" and
the Priest River, ID operation plan was entitled "Idaho Deployment - Operation Armed Backyard".
Both situations were resolved without bloodshed but served to embolden Representative Shea and the
Patriot Movement. The conflicts were later held out as examples by Ammon Bundy of how the Patriot
Movement was victorious over the Federal Government when he attempted to convince the Hamey
County Sheriff to intervene against the Federal Government on behalf of the Hammonds. Ammon Bundy
wanted help in preventing the Hammonds from going to prison for convictions on arson charges, the
situation that sparked the armed takeover and occupation of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in January
2016.
Representative Shea continues to serve as Chairman of the COWS organization which relies exclusively
on armed militia members to carry out tactical operations in advancing the political objectives of
Representative Shea, COWS and the Patriot Movement.
Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (CSPOA)
CSPOA was founded in 2010 and is led by former Arizona County Sheriff Richard Mack, who is also on
the Boards of Directors of the Oath Keepers militia and a member of COWS. The CSPOA is a political
organization oflocal police officials in the US who believe in an interpretation of the US Constitution
wherein federal and state government authorities are subordinate to local government authority . In this
regard, the CSPOA is an outgrowth of the Patriot Movement and has some ideological similarities with
the Sovereign Citizen Movement although they are by no means identical. 124

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 Representative Shea is closely connected to Richard Mack as both serve on the board of COWS and
according to confidential sources, both participated in meetings to organize and plan the armed takeover
of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Representative Shea was also a featured speaker at the CSPOA
convention in 2013.
Sheriff Glenn Palmer of Grant County, Oregon, openly considers himself a Constitutional Sheriff and in
his interpretation the US Constitution, recognizes the elected Sheriff as the only legitimate law
enforcement authority in the community. During the armed takeover and standoff of the Malheur
National Wildlife Refuge, Palmer made several public statements supporting Bundy and the insurgents
occupying the refuge compound. Palmer is also a member of the Oath Keepers militia and was in contact
with Bundy during the armed occupation of the refuge and possibly before. On January 26, 2016, Bundy,
LaVoy Finicum and several others left the occupied refuge in a convoy to meet with Palmer. When the
convoy was stopped by law enforcement officers, the car driven by Finicum failed to stop and fled, later
to be stopped at a second roadblock. Finicum was ultimately killed by law enforcement officers when he
failed to surrender and attempted to draw a weapon on the officers. Representative Shea is connected
with Palmer through his association with the CSPOA and Oath Keepers militia.

Marble Community Fellowship (MCF)
MCF is a church founded by pastors and married couple Barry and Anne Byrd, who Representative Shea
has publicly introduced as his spiritual advisors. 125 MCF was founded in 1991 as an outgrowth of the
Ark Church, a radical Christian Identity ideology church where they had both previously served as
pastors. Christian Identity is viewed as a racist, anti-Semitic, and white supremacist interpretation of
Christianity. This interpretation holds that only Germanic, Anglo-Saxon, Celtic, Nordic, Aryans, and
those of kindred blood are the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and hence the descendants of
the ancient Israelites. Christian Identity is practiced by individuals, independent congregations, and some
prison gangs. It is not connected with specific Christian denominations. Its theology promotes a racial
interpretation of Christianity. Christian Identity beliefs were primarily developed and promoted by
authors who regarded Europeans as the "chosen people" and Jews as the cursed offspring of Cain, the
"serpent hybrid" or serpent seed. White supremacist sects and gangs later adopted many of these
teachings . 126
Barry and Anne Byrd reportedly consider themselves prophets of God and wield powerful influence over
their congregation. In 200 I Paul R. Martin, Ph.D., a noted psychologist, author and court recognized
expert on cults, wrote an opinion based on a reasonable degree of psychological certainty that MCF
contains many elements that are consistent with cultic control.
MCF is closely tied to the Patriot Movement through its teachings that include preparedness for a
leftwing uprising and ensuing civil war and through its support for armed actions against the Federal
Government such as those that occurred at the Bunkerville, NV ranch ofCliven Bundy and at the Malheur
National Wildlife Refuge. Barry and Anne Byrd attended both with Representative Shea and offered
support to the insurgents.
Representative Shea is very closely connected to MCF and to Barry and Anne Byrd. The Byrd's have
been included in private meetings where attendees were invited by code names, and where Representative
Shea unveiled the Biblical Basis for War that offered his view of God's authorization for war. The same
meeting Representative Shea distributed the Restoration document which was his blueprint for rebuilding
after the fall of the US Government.
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 In his Restoration document presented at the meeting, Representative Shea revealed his view of how the
replacement government would look after the collapse of the United States. In his replacement
government, Representative Shea, among other things, lists several key requirements :
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

"swear an oath of fidelity to the Constitution before God and everybody"
"rebuilds without former elected officials unless they ;:ireproven"
"establishes a militia based military"
"fires all law enforcement officers and replaces law enforcement with peace officers"
"corruption carries the death penalty"
"required to invest in and buy things from the redoubt"
"liaison with gangs with honor"
"use people of Russian decent as black market advisors"
"repeals all taxes"
"forgives all debt"
"repeal every non-criminal law, rule and regulation"
"establish patriot banks"
"move the military to the border"
" issue meal cards"
"revoke meal cards for committing crime or for lying"
"changes the constitution to sanctify Jesus Christ"
"require capital punishment for murder, rape, molestation bestiality, kidnapping, adultery, treason
and sodomy"
"eliminate centralized education, prohibits unionization and eliminate centralized welfare"
127

Representative Shea is supported by MCF in his political campaigns and in carrying out his wishes in
supporting candidates for political office of his choosing. 128 He is also supported in Patriot Movement
tactical operations of his choosing such as Bunkerville and Malheur, listed above.
Representative Shea is a regular speaker at the MCF annual God and Country Celebration. In 2016
Representative Shea was a featured speaker at a session advertised as being "largely focused on building a
Resistance to the globalists' relentless assault on our liberty in the United States ." During this time,
Representative Shea also presented a workshop for children and youth described as: "An exercise in field
skills for youth, including (but not limited to): field strip and reassemble assigned weapon; orienteering,
field dressing wounds, following orders, PT, shooting skill, etc." Later in the program Representative
Shea also presented another workshop called "Going Underground." This presentation was not further
described.
Sagebrush Rebellion to Sagebrush Insurgency
The Sagebrush Rebellion during the l 970's was a movement in the western United States that continued
through the 1980s and sought major changes to federal land control and use in thirteen western
states . Rebellion supporters wanted to take more control over these lands, and also sought the transfer of
lands to state and local authorities and private citizens. Supporters adopted the name "Sagebrush
Rebellion" due to the vast acres of sagebrush found on land areas. The movement was mostly driven by

127
128

ESC
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74

 grassroots concerns and has now segued into a more ideological movement that attracts " many
Libertarian and right-winged extremists " who have less interest in grazing allotments and more
denouncement of a tyrannical Federal Government and has been drawn into the Patriot Movement.
The escalation of the opposition to Federal land management extends from the Bundy Ranch in 2014 to
the showdown at the Sugar Pine Mine in Josephine County, Oregon and the armed takeover and
occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Burns , Oregon . The anti-government sentiment
over various hot button issues within the movement gave birth to what is now referred to as the
"Sagebrush Insurgency." The movement has attracted militia groups. sheriffs and state and local
politicians. These groups have united with like-minded networks who are anti-federal government and
who cal I for lands now controlled by the US Bureau of Land Management to be returned to the states.
Insurgents call for drastic action and the threat of violence to the extent of bloodshed and believe both are
within their legal Constitutional rights. Armed conflicts with the Federal Government over these issues
serve as "radicalization nodes" as defined by a domestic terrorism expert at the Department of Homeland
Security. These radicalization nodes anger those with sympathetic views and draw them to the
Insurgency .

Link to Representative Shea: In 2016 a ne,vs report 12') connected a vast right-wing nenvork of militia
members, state and local politicians and others to the Sagebrush Insurgency consisting of the following:
Agenda 21, a group of conspiracy theorists who believe that the United Nations resolution promoting
sustainable development is a secret plan to create a one-world government; Constitutional Sheriffs and
Peace Officers Association (CSPOA) whose members believe Sheriffs hold greater law enforcement
authority than their Federal counterparts; The Land Tr:rnsfer Movement comprised of those who believe
Federal public lands should be transferred to the states; the Oath Keepers. a militia group comprised of
veterans and paramilitary who vow not to abide by the laws or federal regulations they deem
unconstitutional; and the III% Militia, an anti-government group organized around the claim that three
percent of Americans were combatants in the Revolutionary War and Pacific Patriots Network, a coalition
of Pacific Northwest militias that includes the Three Percenters, Oath Keepers and other smaller groups .
This investigation has also linked Representative Shea to the Pacific Patriots Network. the III% militia,
Oath Keepers and others through witness statements and documented evidence . These groups were
present at the Bundy Standoff at Bunkerville, Nevada in April 2014, and the Malheur National Wildlife
Refuge armed occupation in Burns, Oregon in January 2016. Representative Shea participated in both
those incidents.
The Sagebrush Insurgency and the Patriot Movement in general have developed a symbiotic relationship
with legislators in several states, including Representative Shea of the 4th Legislative District of
Washington. Quoting from an article in the High Country News, published in 2016, authors Jonathan
Thompson and Brooke Warren state.

" ... it's worth notinf{ that many o/the extreme actions carried out by.fi"in!{ef{roups, such
as the Malheur occupation, inspire other hard-core ideologues and ultimately translate
into votes for like-minded politicians. In return, those politicians support the extremists
and trv to push their views via legislation, thereby legitimizing and empowering them.
The Sagebrush Rebellion, in other words, has been co-opted: militarized in some places
and politicized in others. Politicians, militants, sher(/j.5 and others.fi·om across the rightwing spectrum have. over the lastfe,11years, found common cause, attending conferences,
rallies and events together. and putting their support behind a variety of agendas. "

129

R77, EBA

75

 The following graphic taken from the same article depicts some of Representative Shea's connections to
several militias, other participants, and to armed confrontations between militia members and Federal
authorities. 130

High
Country
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See interactivegraphicand read more athcn.org

130

EA8, R77

76

 Section 5: Shared Strategy - Representative Shea and The Patriot Movement
A. Defense of the Constitution
One of the main rallying points of the Patriot Movement and a key issue raised by Representative Shea is
the "Defense of the Constitution". The Patriot Movement's and Representative Shea's views on issues
such as land use, guns and disempowering the Federal Government are driven by an extreme and
inaccurate interpretation of specific sections of the document. Their views are often in direct opposition to
how Constitutional law has developed over the last two centuries and how current case law, as defined by
the US Supreme Court, currently stands on these issues. In two examples, the Oath Keepers Militia
swears to uphold the constitution and enforce any law they, not the US Supreme Court, deem
constitutional and the III% militias swear an oath to armed resistance against attempts to curtail
constitutional rights, as they define those rights. Representative Shea's views on the Constitution are
indistinguishable from those of the Patriot Movement.

B. Land Issues
A key issue for the Patriot Movement and for Representative Shea is eliminating land ownership by the
Federal government. Sagebrush insurgents believe the Constitution does not permit the Federal
government to own most public lands, and advocate for transferring currently held property to states,
counties, and individuals. The Patriot Movement claims Article I, Section 8, Clause 17 of the US
Constitution prohibits the federal government from owning most puhlic lands, a view the courts,
including the US Supreme Court, do not hold. Nullification and Coordination is the notion that Federal
laws can be ignored by local governments on either the county or state level. County level governments
can declare themselves legal equals to the federal government in land use matters, giving them veto
power. This is an extreme right view and is referred to as "coordination". Conflicts over land issues were
the catalysts that resulted in the engagement of Representative Shea and armed militia members in armed
conflicts at Bunkerville, Sugar Pine Mine, and Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

C. Weapons
Opposition to any restrictions on individual ownership or use of weapons is a shared strategic goal of the
Patriot Movement and Representative Shea. They share a belief that the Second Amendment to the US
Constitution, "A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the
people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed", leaves no room for restrictions on individual and
militia possession and use of weapons. Representative Shea has been quoted in public speeches advising
people they should own a rifle and handgun and stockpile ammunition. 131

D. Removal of Power from the Federal Government
Another common shared view between the Patriot Movement and Representative Shea is that unelected
government bureaucrats oppress people's rights through government agency regulations. Key among
these are land use issues raised with the US Bureau of Land Management as evidenced by Bunkerville
and Malheur and environmental regulations raised with the US Environmental Protection Agency. In the
view of the Patriot Movement and Representative Shea, freedoms impeded by these agencies will only be
removed when management of land and the environment are done at the state, local, and individual level.

E. Law Enforcement at the Sheriff Level
The Patriot Movement and Representative Shea both distrust Federal Law Enforcement and are in favor
of the elimination of Federal law enforcement. Their overall strategies are similar in that both advocate
for the Sheriffs to be the highest law enforcement officials in the land.
131

R19

77

 Representative Shea is a recurring speaker at Patriot Movement events and openly lays out his vision that
is largely indistinguishable from those of the Patriot Movement pertaining to these issues.

Section 6: Tactics
A. Political Power
Obtaining political power is a strategic objective of the Patriot Movement but it is also used tactically by
Representative Shea. An excellent example of this tactical use of political power was exhibited in
Representative Shea's engagement along with other COWS members in the armed takeover and 41-day
occupation at Malheur.
Representative Shea formed COWS during the armed standoff at Bunkerville with the express intent to
work in the interest of individuals against Federal ownership and management of\ands as well as the
accomplishment of other Patriot Movement agenda items. Representative Shea and the other COWS
members engaged in the planning and carrying out the armed takeover with Ammon Bundy , then
concealed their association with COWS and Representative Shea's true sentiments during a meeting with
Harney County officials, and federal and local law enforcement, ostensibly to gather intelligence on law
enforcement plans to share with the insurgents.
Encouraging individuals within the Patriot Movement to run for political office is a frequently discussed
topic as reported by individuals formerly active in the Patriot Movement.

B. Fear
Power is gained in the Patriot Movement through the engagement of large numbers of participants .
Adding participants loyal to the movement equates to more voters and more political clout for the Patriot
Movement. It also results in more people who can be called upon for the application threat of violence or
of use of physical force.
Fear drives many people to the movement as conspiracy theories are created and shared. Some of the
conspiracy theories identified include :
• fear of Government seizure of guns
• fear of the Government stockpiling ammunition to be used against US citizens
• fear that FEMA is building concentration camps in secret locations in the US
• fear of the creation ofa North American Union
• fear of one world government
• fear that Sharia Law is being adopted by the US Government.
• fear that the US Government is housing foreign troops on US soil to control the
American population
There is no shortage of conspiracy theories. The more theories that are spun and shared, the more people
become fearful and are driven to the Patriot Movement. In August 2019, the FBI described "conspiracy
theory-driven domestic extremists " as a growing threat and identified a number of arrests related to
violent incidents motivated by fringe beliefs. 132
Fear is an often used tactic by Representative Shea to develop and grow his political support . He
frequently warns people to stockpile weapons and ammunition and to prepare to defend your property.
132

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 He makes frequent reference to Syrian immigrants, Antifa communists, and at times tells inaccurate
stories that drive fear. Representative Shea spoke of Syrian refugee children raping another child in a
restroom at knifepoint, a story that was later found to be completely inaccurate and did not involve rape, a
weapon, or Syrian refugees according to news articles quoting Twin Falls County Prosecutor Grant
Loebs . 133
Representative Shea has also used fear to intimidate those who directly oppose him politically and those
who oppose candidates he supports. In most cases, Representative Shea is not directly involved in threats
or intimidation but is routinely believed by those threatened to be behind instances of intimidation by
armed militia members. In one such case, shortly after putting a yard sign in his yard supporting a
candidate not supported by Representative Shea, two armed men openly wearing sidearms knocked on the
man ' s door and asked him if he would consider rethinking his position on his candidate of choice. The
man refused and closed the door and the two armed men left with no further incident. 134
However, in one incident Representative Shea took a photo of himself standing in the yard of a candidate
directly opposing him for his House of Representatives seat in the 4th Legislative District and posted it
online to his Facebook page . The candidate and her husband both directly appealed to Representative
Shea to remove the photo as did Republican party officials and the Sheriff. Representative Shea refused
even though the photo revealed the location of the home and the husband of the candidate was a former
Assistant US Attorney who lived under threat of reprisal from people he had convicted. The candidate
and her husband interpreted the act by Representative Shea as a direct act of threat and intimidation. 135

C. Radicalization
Representative Shea and the Patriot Movement rely on the radicalization of individuals to the point they
are willing to take up arms against the United States to carry out their objectives. Representative Shea
has been involved in three confirmed incidents where he has called for armed militia members to go to the
scene and stand against the US Government; Bunkerville , the Priest River incident and Malheur National
Wildlife Refuge. In one of those incidents , Malheur, Representative Shea assisted in planning the armed
conflict and then dispatched Anthony Bosworth to the conflict to participate and serve as his direct
communications link to the insurgents. Representative Shea also dispatched Bosworth to the Bunkerville
armed standoff.
Each armed conflict serves as a radicalization node, enraging individuals with sympathetic views of the
goals of the Patriot Movement. This serves to draw more people into the conflict and into the Patriot
Movement, thus adding to Representative Shea's influence and power.

D. Intimidation and Use of Force
At the onset of the Bunkerville incident, Representative Shea posted a letter on the III% militia website,
Sipsey Street, at 1:47pm Thursday April 10, 2014 instructing Patriots to rally at Bunkerville. At the time
he published his call to arms, there were about I 00 local protesters on site . By 12:00 PM the next day,
Friday April 11, 20 I 4, less than 24 hours later, there were more than 1500 armed militia members
present and ready to fight the Bureau of Land Management.
During the armed takeover and the 41-day occupation of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, the Hamey
County town of Burns, Oregon was overtaken by armed militants who went into town, followed and
threatened employees of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, threatened the County Judge and his wife,
R45
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79

 confronted and threatened the Sheriff many times and confronted and threatened his wife and his elderly
parents. The armed militants tried to instigate traffic stops so that militia members could cause
confrontations with law enforcement officers and created general fear throughout the town to the extent
that schools were closed so that children would not be caught in a crossfire should combat begin. 136
Inherent in the act of dispatching armed militants into a conflict with government authorities is the
presence of intimidation and the threat of use of force . Intimidation and the ever-present threat of the use
of force are powerful tactics used by Representative Shea in the achievement of his political goals .

Section 7: Communications
Communications is used tactically in the Patriot Movement as means of attracting individuals to the
movement by sowing fear and anger. This is largely accomplished through the use of online published
and shared conspiracy theories as discussed above. Instantaneous online communications have greatly
served to empower local militants to reach a national and worldwide audience and has greatly aided in the
spread of the Patriot Movement in recent years.
Representative Shea and his associates in The Patriot Movement , in general, effectively use
communications to carry out tactical operations such as the armed conflicts discussed above that are
undertaken to achieve the goals of the movement. Representative Shea communicates securely with
others using his code name "Verumbellator" over secured encrypted communications systems such as
Wickr, Signal and Protonmail. In October 2017, Representative Shea abandoned the use of email due to
unspecified "security threats" in favor of the Redoubt Emergency Network (REN Group) that
communicates over the encrypted Signal App.
Radio communications also feature prominently in his tactical operations and for this, Representative
Shea relies upon the American Redoubt Radio Operator's Network (AmRRON) when undertaking his
tactical operations. According to their website, AmRRON describes itself as "a network of Preppers,
Patriots and Redoubters who have volunteered to keep each other connected when other means of
communications are unavailable or unreliable. " AmRRON currently claims to operate in every state and
Puerto Rico with over 4000 volunteer radio operators.
Representative Shea and his associates have also been known to use what they call "Red Phones" when
engaged in a conflict. Red phones are understood to be pre-paid telephones that are untraceable.

Section 8: Summary of Analysis
Representative Shea is a prominent leader of the Patriot Movement. He self-identifies as a member of the
Patriot Movement and shares its ideological beliefs. Within the Patriot Movement, he is closely
associated with several armed militias and numerous militia members. He leverages his associations with
militias and his prominence in the Patriot Movement to dispatch militia members to incidents of conflict
with Government officials. This investigation has documented three conflicts where Representative Shea
has called for his supporters to stand against the US Government. In responding to Representative Shea's
calls, his followers turn out armed and prepared for conflict. In one of those cases, Representative Shea
was involved in the planning and orchestration of the armed conflict and directed activities of some of the
armed insurgents. Representative Shea is an attorney and member of the Bar of the State of Washington
mw2B

80

 and presumably has knowledge of and access to avenues to peacefully redress grievances through the
courts but chose to lead his followers to stand in physical confrontation at risk of bloodshed and loss of
life.

Section 9: Risk Assessment
Although this investigation found no evidence that Representative Shea presents an imminent direct threat
to any individual or group, considerable evidence was discovered indicating Representative Shea has
since 2014, presented a significant threat of political violence against employees of the Federal
Government and state and local law enforcement officers, carried out through intermediaries sympathetic
to the Patriot Movement.
Evidence documented in this investigation has directly linked Representative Shea to the planning and
carrying out of one armed conflict against employees of the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Law
Enforcement Officers. Representative Shea was involved in two additional conflicts by calling upon his
supporters within the Patriot Movement to show up, along with himself, and stand against government
authorities. These call ups resulted in armed militia members and other supporters responding as a show of
force against US Government officials and were undertaken to achieve Representative Shea's political
objectives involving land rights and gun rights issues. In one incident an armed insurgent was killed by
law enforcement officers when he refused to surrender and attempted to draw his weapon. With angry
armed insurgents called into action against clements of law enforcement, every situation instigated or
planned by Representative Shea carried with it, significant risk of bloodshed and loss of life.
Representative Shea's irresponsible and possibly illegal activities benefited him politically in that these
three incidents were viewed by those sympathetic to the Patriot Movement as victories over the
"oppressive Federal government" and served to draw more angry sympathizers into the movement and
thus achieved more political power for Representative Shea. Representative Shea has spoken publicly of
some of his activities and has associated himself with these victories.
Representative Shea's activities appear to meet the definition of political violence and when viewed
holistically, these activities appear to have been successful for Representative Shea. Given that
Representative Shea has suffered no negative repercussions to his actions and that h.e ascertains political
power from creating radicalization nodes such as the three armed conflicts he has either instigated or
exacerbated, and each such radicalization node grows the Patriot Movement and enhances his standing in
the Patriot Movement and his political power, it is more probable than not that he will continue with his
activities of creating and or engaging in conflicts that benefit him politically. Based on evidence obtained
in this investigation, it is more probable than not that Representative Shea is likely to plan, direct and
engage in additional future conflicts that could carry with them significant risk of bloodshed and loss of
life. It is the professional opinion of the Investigators, that on a more probable than not basis,
Representative Shea presents a present and growing threat of risk to others through political violence .

81

 References
I. Wikipedia Rep Matt Shea https://en.wikipcdia .org/wiki/Matt Shea/
2. Matt Shea Bio https://voteshea . om/ biol
3. Matt Shea profile https://ba.llotpedia.org

hea (Washing ton)

4. Wikipedia Christian Identity https://en.wikipedia.onr/wik i/Chri tiau Identity/
5. Wikipedia "Patriot Movement" definition hcrps;J/en.wikipediaorg/wiki/Pa triot movement
6. Wikipedia "2014 Las Vegas Shootings" hltps ://en.wikipedia.org /wiki/2014 Las Vegas shootings
7. Wikipedia "Occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge
hnps ://en.wikipedia .or!!l'wiki/O cupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refue:e
8. Wikipedia "LaVoy Finicum" http ://en .wikipedia .org/wiki/La o

Finicum

9. Wikipedia "Bundy Standoff' https ://en.wikipedia.org/.., iki/Bund

standoff

10. Wikipedia "Gavin Seim" https://en.wikiped ia.orn/wiki/Gavin Seim
11. Book by Peter Walker "Sagebrush Collaboration" Published in 2018 by Oregon State University Press
12. 2009-06-10 Richard Abanes "The Patriot Movement" Christian Research Institute
hnps ://www .eguip.org/article / the-patriot-movemen t/
13. 2011-11-02 Mark Potok "Georgia Militiamen Arrested in Major Domestic Terror Plot" Southern Poverty
Law Center
https://www .splcenter.org/hatewatc h/20 I I/ I 1/02/georgia-m ilitiamen-arrested -major-domestic -terror-plot
14. 2011-11-03 (author unknown) "Is Absolved the Most Dangerous Book in America?" Crasstalk
hllps:/lcrasstalk .com/20 11/ I I /is-absolved -the-most-dangero us-book-in -america/
15. 2012-07-22 Jim Camden "Legislator Pulled Gun During Road Incident" The Spokesman Review
hrtps ://www .spokes111an.com/s1oriest20 I _/jul/22/legislator -pul led-e:un-durinl,[-road-inciden ·
16. 2012-08-14 Jonathan Brunt "Creepy or Cute? Shea Posts Pie of Himself Standing on Opponent's
Property" The Spokesman Review
https://www .spokesman .com/blo!?.S/spincontrol/20 12/aue./ 14/creepy- r-f unnv-shea-posts-picrure opponenrs- house-facebook -page/
17. 2013-07-28 Jeff Selle "Preparing for the 'Inevitable Collapse' " Coeur d'Alene/Post Falls Press
ht1p·:(/\\>'\-VW.cdapress
.corn/archive/article-322c8855 -9ea I-Sae 1-a06e-Je69f3 I 04eab .html
18. 2013-07-30 Video "Northwest Patriot & Self-Reliance Rally" Northwest Liberty News
https://www .voutube .com/watch?v=EVB h9l4 P7xs

82

 19. 2013-08-03 Matt Shea speech "Shooting Truth Darts in Neighboring Idaho" Northwest Liberty News
https://www.youtube.com atch?v=eNYZ8kE J1 k
20. 2013-08-18 Video "The Coeur d"Alene Roundtable" Northwest Liberty News
https://www.youu1be.com/watch?v=9M2Ci\1 V QcE
21. 2013-10-07 Video Washington Freedom Summit "Freedom Agenda" NW Grassroots
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I y gurYzdgg
22. 2014-April Sandra Robson "Should Washington State Residents be More Armed or Alarmed Whatcom
Watch http://·www.whatcomwatch.org/php/WW open.php?id=l 699
23. 2014-04-10 Open Letter from Matt Shea Sipsy Street Irregulars Blog
http://sipseystreetirregulars.blogspoLcom/2014/04/open-Iecter-from-rep-matt-shea.hnn I
24. 2014-04-11 Guest Author "Bundy Ranch Nevada 2 - Heroes and Cowards: Joint Statement: Coalition of
Western State Legislators, Sheriffs, and Veterans Stand Vigil in Support of Embattled Nevada Rancher,
Cliven Bundy 'To Prevent Another Ruby Ridge or Waco" The Reagan Wing
https://thereaganwing.wordpress.com/2014/04/ I 1/bundv-ranch-nevada-2-heroes-cowards-joint­
statement-coalition-of-wesrern-state-legi slators-shcri Ifs-and-veterans- tan d- igi 1-in-support-of..
embanled-nevada-rancher-cliven-bundy25. 2014-04-12 Reagan Wing Staff"Washington State Advance Team Diplomatic Mission to Nevada and
Timeline" The Reagan Wing
https ://thereaganwine.wordpress .com/?Q I 4/04/ l 2/washington-sLate-advance-tearn-diplomatic-miss1011-to­
nevada-timel ine/
26. 2014-04-12 Reagan Wing Staff "Bundy Ranch Nevada 4: What Really Happened on Saturday" The
Reagan Wing
hltps://thereaganwing.wordpress.com/2014/04/12/bundy-ranch-ncvada-+what-really-happened-on­
saturday/
27. 2014-04-14 John Jacob Schmidt "Coalition of Western States Forms to Protect Against Federal
Overreach" Radiofreeredoubt.com
https://radiofreeredoubt.com/20 14/04/ I 4/coal ition-of-westem-srntes-fonns-to-protect-against-fcdcra !­
overreach/
28. 2014-04-14 Video "Matt Shea and Liberty Representatives Speaking from Bundy Ranch" Gavin Seim
interviews YouTube hnps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dKbjzoGTVM/
29. 2014-04-14 Anthony Bosworth "Bundy Ranch Nevada 6: As for Me and My House" The Reagan Wing
https://thereaganwing.wordpress.com/2014/04/14/bundv-ranch-nevada-6-as-for-me-and-mv-hous
30. 2014-04-17 Jim Camden "Rep. Matt Shea Travels to Nevada to Support Defiant Rancher" The
Spokesman Review bups://w,vv .spokesman.com/ tories/20 l+/apr/ l 7/rep-mart-shea-travels-to-nevada-to­
support/
31. 2014-04-19 Elias Alias "Bundy Ranch Oath Ceremony" Elias Alias
https://eliasalias.com/201-1/05/ 14/oath-bund -ranch-nevada-april-19-201-l/

83

 32. 2014-07-17 Melissa Luck/Jeff Humphrey "Shea Opponent Concerned About Rep.'s Associations with
Violent Militias" KXLY.com https ://www.kxlv.com /ncw /poli tic.:s
/local-politic shea-opponemconcemed-ab ut-rep-s-%09associa lions-,· ith-violent-mi litias- I/ J77570512
33. 2014-10-23 Daniel Walters "45 Insane, Inspiring and/or Insightful Matt Shea Quotes" Inlander
lntps ://www .inlander .com/Bloglander /archi e · 2014/10 /T /45-insane-inspiring-ru1d-or-insi1thtful-mattshea-guotes
34. 2014-12-16 Rachel Alexander "Spokane Deputy's Remarks in Defense ofMRAP go Viral" The
Spokesman Review l1ttps://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014 /de 16/spokanc-depurvs-rcmarks-indefense f-mrap-gocs/
35. 2014-12-20 Willa Harper/Gavin Seim/Rep. Matt Shea/ Tim Carson "Constitutionalists Protest over
MRAP and Sheriff Comments" NW Grassroots https ://www.vourube. on watch?v=5n-18WO ejk
36. 2014-12-21 Matt Shea/Ken Barker "i594 Protest Spokane - I Will Not Comply" NW Grassroots
http ://\ ww .youtube.com /warch? - jcxkbtFtYMA
37. 2015-01-15 Jim Camden "Shea Tells Gun Rights Activists I-594 Not Law" The Spokesman Review
https://v.'\ v.spokesman.com /stories/20 l 5/ian/ 15/shea-tells-gun-rights-ater for ctivists-i-594-not-law /
38. 2015-01-15 Dutchman6 "Gottlieb's Rally Didn't Tum out Quite the Way He was Planning. In Fact, I'm
Pretty Sure He Probably Crapped His Pants Over It" Sipsey Street Irregulars
https://sipseyscreeti rregu Iars.blogspoLcom /20 15/0 I / gottl iebs-ral ly-d idnt-tum-out-qu ite .h tm I
39. 2015-02-07 Video "Mike Vanderboegh at Our Capitol Our Rights Rally"
hnps://www .youtube .com/watch?
t GiCM
40. 2015-03-03 Bill Morlin "Gun Rights Activists Plan Protests Over Arrest of One of Their Own" Southern
Poverty Law Center hups: //ww\i .splcenter.ore/hacewatch /2015/0J /03/g,un-ri2.ht -activists-p lan-protcstover-arrest-one -their-own
41. 2015-05-19 Betsy Z. Russell "Ex-Muslim Pastor Stokes Fear and Controversy in Idaho" The Spokesman
Review https://www .spokesman.com /blogs/boisc/?QI: Ima / 19/e. -muslirn-pastor- stokcs-fear-andcontroversy-ida ho/
42.2015-07-03 Pastor John Weaver "When God has had Enough" NWGrassroots
https://v,ww .yourube.com /watch?v=z.BOLAO7igdw
43. 2015-08-07 Nick Ivie "North Idaho Vet Fights for Gun Rights" Coeur d'Alene/Post Falls Press
htrps://www .cdapress.com /archive/an icle- 1563b381-f2e5-5ac0-a45..,-ab65bea6ac5f html
44.2015-08-07 Kip Hill/Assoc. Press Rally Centers on Veteran , Potential Weapons Confiscation in Priest
1
/
River' The Spokesman Review https://www .spoke-sman .com/stories /20 J 'i/aug/07/rallv-ccnters -onveteran-potential- ,veapons/
45. 2015-08-12 Daniel Walters "Manufacturing Fear: Spokane's Republican Sheriff says Members ofHis
Own Party are Dangerously Dividing People" Inlander
https://www .inlander .com/spokane!manu facturin2.-fear/Con ten t?o id=253483 7

84

 46. 2015-09-08 Brendon Wold "Rep. Matt Shea Receives National Award for Work on Anti-Terrorism
Legislation" WA State House Republicans hLtps://mattsheaJ1ouserepub l icans.wa.,rnv/2 015/09/08/ heaact-security-award-0909 15/
47. 2015-09-21 Matt Shea speech at Rally for America NWGrassroots
hltps ://www .youtube .com/watch ?v= jgBz-8 1-8RJ
48. 2015-10-7 Mateusz Perkowski "Judge Sends Oregon Ranchers Back to Prison" Capital Press
https :l/www,capitalpre s.cotn/stat oregon/judge-sends-oregon-ranchers -back-Loprison/article 3485daac-b0t7-5f6b-b60c-ee2c6996ffal .html
49. 2015-10-25 Daniel Walters "There's an Armed Rally for Anthony Bosworth at the Federal Courthouse
Monday. The Last One got Tense." Inlander
https ://www.inlander.con Bloglander /archives/20 I 5/ I 0/25/theres-an-armed-rallv-for-an thonv-bo,worth at-the- federa 1-cou rthouse-111
ond ay-d1e-last-one-got-tense
50. 2015-11-19 SPLC Designated ACT for America as a hate group hllps://www .splcenter .org/fighLinghate/extrem ist-fi Jes/groups
51. 2015-12-11 Coalition of Western States Press Release "Hammond Family"
52. 2015-12-11 Ryan Bundy "Redress of Grievance" Bundy Ranch
hnp :// bundvranch .blO!i.spot.com/2015/ 12/ nolii..:e-redress-of- grievan e-action.html
53. 2016-01-03 Amelia Templeton "Militia Occupying Federal Land: 'We Are Not Hurting Anybody'"
Oregon Public Broadcasting https;//www .opb.org/news /serie bums-oregon-standoff-bundy-militianews -updates/mi Iitia-oregon-wi IdIife-refuge-bums -bu nd y-ham mond/
54. 2016-01-03 John Sepulvado "Explainer: The Bundy Militia's Particular Brand of Mormonism" Oregon
Public Broadcasting httpsJ/ www.opb .org/news/scrie,s/burns-oregon-st andoff-bundv-miliLia-ne,vsupda tes/expla iner-the-bundy- m iIitias-particular -brand-of-monnon ism/
55. 2016-01-04 Tommy Christopher "Megyn Kelly Destroys Bundy Mob Leader with Just an Icy Stare"
Mediaiife https://www .mediaite.c m/tv/m·egyn-kell -destrovs-bundy-mob-leader-with-just-an-i
-stare/
56. 2016-01-05 Jerry Headley "LaVoy Finicum: Profile ofa Malheur Occupier" Oregon Public Broadcasting
hups ://www .opb .orn/ ne,vs/scries/burns-oregon- landoff- bund -mi litia-news-upd ates/burns-oc.cupierlavoy-finicum /
57. 2016-01-05 Representative Greg Walden speech at U.S. House C-Span https:// www .cspan .arg/video/?402 734-3/represen ta live-wa Iden-arm t:d-standoff-oregon /
58. 2016-01-06 Jerry Headley "Malheur Occupation: Who has a Claim to This Land?" Oregon Public
Broadcasting htt.ps://\ ww .opb .orQ'.
/ncw /series/ bums- regon-standoff-bundv- militia-newsupdates/malheur-occupation-claim-land /
59. 2016-01-06 Joe Biggs "I Found the FBI Compound at Bums Airport" Intellihub
httpsJ /www . i me 11i hub.com/b il!.l!S- i-found-the-tbi-com poLLnd-at-burns-airport/
60. 2016-01-06 Jes Burns "Controversial Federal Grazing Fees Not a Great Deal for Anyone" Oregon Public
Broadcasting https ://www .opb .ore/news/series /burns-orego n-standoff-bund y-m i Iitia-new update /federal-grazing- fees/

85

 61. 2016-01-07 John M Glionna "Oregon Sheriff has Received Numerous Death Threats since Militia
Takeover" The Guardian h1tps://www .lheguardian.c m/us-ne-.: s/20 I 6/ jan/07/ore!!on-residents -sa -itstime-for-the-milhia-10-pack-it -up-and-go
62. 2016-01-08 Amelia Templeton "Why Were the Hammonds Sent Back to Prison?" Oregon Public
Broadcasting hltps ://ww'i .opb. rn/ news/ eries/burns-oree.on-standoff-bundv-militia-news updares/oregon-hammoncls-ranchers /
63. 2016-01-09 KGW Staff"Ore. State Legislator Meets with Armed Group at Wildlife Refuge" KGWS
htips://\\ w .kgw .com/art icle/news/1ocal/eastem-oregon /ore-statc-legisla1or-meets -with-armed -group-atwi Id)ife-refuge /2 8 ~ - I ?.629977
64. 2016-01-10 John Sepulvado/Dave Blanchard "Nevada , Oregon State Reps Meet with Armed Occupiers"
Oregon Pub Iic Broadcast ing hnps ://\V\,VW
.opb.org/news/series /burn -oregon-standoff-bundy-m i litianews-updates/ne ada-oregon-state-rcps-meet-wrth-bundy -militia/
65.2016-01-10 Luke Hammill "Oregon Standoff : Roseburg State Legislator Ignores Local Warnings, Visits
Protestors" The Oregonian ht1ps://www .ore1.tontive.com/pacific -northwestnews/?.O16/0 l /oregon standoff rosebnr~ stare.htm l+
66. 2016-01-10 CBS/AP "Oregon Militia Tums Away Another Armed Militia ' s Help" CBS News
https ;//www .cbsnews.com /new oregon-armed-m iIiria-rums-awav-paci fie-patriot-network-he! p/
67. 2016-01-10 KOIN 6 broadcast "Idaho Three Percenters Show Up at Malheur KOIN 6 Portland OR
https://ww, .youtube .com/watch? - Y63Obd4bE0 I
68. 2016-01-10 Amanda Peacher "There's Another Armed Group in Bums and It's Not the Bundys " Oregon
Public Broadcasting https://www .opb.on.!/ncw eries/burns -oregon-standoff-bundv-111iIitia-newsupdales /theres-another -armed-group-in -bums-and-Lheyre-not-the -bundvs /
69. 2016-01-11 Jim Camden "State Rep . Matt Shea made 'Fact-Finding' Trip to Oregon Standoff' The
Spokesman Review https ://www.spoke man.corn/storie 2016/jan/l J/valley -lawmaker-made-factfinding-1rip-to-oreeon-s /
70. 2016-01-12 Austin Jenkins "Northwest Lawmakers Visit Malheur Refuge on 'Fact-Finding Mission'"
NW News Network https://www .nwnewsnerwo rk.om/post/northwesc -lawmakers-vi it-ma lheur-rcfue.e fact-fi nding-111
iss ion
71. 2016-01-12 Kip Hill "Spokane County Sheriff Questions Matt Shea ' s Trip to Oregon Armed Protest " The
Spokesman Review https ://www.spokesman .com/stories /20 l 6/jan/ 12/knezo ich-questions -matt-sheastri p-to-oregon-a rm e/
72. 2016-01-13 Carli Brosseau "Ammon Bundy, Montana Militia Leader Planned Land Takeover for
Months " Las Vegas Sun hnps ://m.lasvegas un.com/ncws . 0 16/jan/ l 3/ammon -bundy-monrana-mi litialeader-had -planned-a-l/
73. 2016-01-27 (author unknown) "Oregon Standoff- What We Know so Far (updated)" Redoubt News
hrtps://redoubtn ws .com/2016 /0 l /ore~mn- tandoft:.what-we-know-so-far /
74. 2016-01-27 (author unknown) "Govt Blames Protestors for Finicum Death" Redoubt News
https ://redoubtnews .com/2016/0 1/govt-blames-protesters-for - Cinic um-death/

86

 75. 2016-01-28 Printed Statement by Greg Bretzing, SAC Redoubt News
https ://redoubtnews .com/20 16/0 l /statem e nt-bv-grcg- bretzi ng-s peci al-a gen t-i n-chanresta.tement-by-gregbretzi n!!•Special-agent-in-ch arge-tbi-port Iand/
76. 2016-01-28 Samuel Culper"Oregon Stand Off Situation Report January 28 2016" Ammoland
http ://www.ammoland.com / 2016/0 I/oregon -stand-off- ituation-report-januarv-28th20 ! 6/#axzz6-idGmcfvY
77. 2016-02-02 Jonathan Thompson/Brooke Warren "Graphic: The Hidden Connections of the Sagebrush
Insurgency" High Country News https ://www.hcn.oru issues/48 .2/the-hidden-connections-of-thesagebrush-insurgencv
78. 2016-02-04 Rural America in these Times "It's Not Just Oregon: A Closer Look at the Sagebrush
Insurgency" In These Times http ://i nrhesetimes .com/ rural-america/entry / 18822/a-closer-look-at-thesagebru h-insurgencv-and-the- anti-federalist-movement
79. 2016-02-09 Shawn Vestal "Seim Brothers Have Found a Cause, but Little Effect, in the Refuge Standoff'
The Spokesman Review https ://WW\.Y.spokesman.co
m/stories l20 I 6/feb/09/shawn-vestal-seim-brothershave-found-a-cause-but-/
80. 2016-02-10 Bradley W . Parks "Occupiers say They Will Surrender to FBI Thursday" Oregon Public
Broadcasting httpsJ /www .opb.org/news/seri es/bums-oregon -standoff -bundv -m iIitia-ne\ updares/malheur-oreeon-uccupalion-surn:,,der-fhi-thursdav /
81. 2016-02-11 Bradley Parks/John Rosman "Live Updates: Oregon Occupation Ends Peacefully" Oregon
Public Broadcasting https://www.opb.org /news/series /burns-oregoa -standoff-bundy -militia-newsupdates/cliven-bundv-arrested-m alheur-surrender-end-occupntion /
82. 2016-02-11 Kelly House "Who is KrisAnne Hall? Conservative Activist Joins Oregon Standoff
Negotiations" The Oregonian Imp ://www.oregonlive .com/oregonstandoff/2016/02/who is krisanne hall conservat.htm I
83. 2016-02-13 Maxine Bernstein "Nevada Lawmaker Michele Fiore Thrust into Role as Oregon Standoff
Negotiator'' The Oregonian https ://www .oregonlive.com/orcgon standoff/2016/02/nevada lawmaker michele fiore .html
84. 2016-02-15 OBP Staff"41 Days: An OPB Documentary on the Oregon Occupation " Oregon Public
Broadcasting https :/I \N\VW .opb .org/ new ·/series/burns-ore ~on-stando ft:bundy-m iIitia-aews updares/orel.!.On-standoff-occupation-ma lhcur-41 -day -opb-documentarv /
85. 2016-02-15 Lauren Fox "The Women Who Changed the Course of the Oregon Standoff" Talking Points
Memo https://talkingpoin tsmemo.com /muckraker/women-p layed-a-big-role-in- the-oregon-s tandoff
86. 2016-02 - 17 Daniel Walters "Listen to the Profane Message Threatening 'Armed Occupation' of Rep.
Matt Shea's Office" Inlander httpsJ/ w, w.inlander.com/ Bloglande r/archives /2016/02/ 17/ listen-to-theprofane-mes sage -threatening -armed-occupa lion-of-rep-matt-sheas-office
87. 2016-02-23 John Sepulvado "FBI Estimates Malheur Occupation Costs at More than $1.2 Million"
Oregon Public Broadcasting https://www .opb.org/new /series/bw-ns-oregon-standoff-bundy-m i Iitianews-updates/oregon-counties- seek- !2-mi l Iion-in-occupation-cos ts/

87

 88. 2016-03-02 Conrad Wilson "Case Against Santilli so far Largely Based on Words" Oregon Public
Broadcasting hnps ://www .opb .org/news/seri es/bu rns-orego n-standoff-bu n dy-m iIitia-news-u pda tes/petesanti 11i-ch arg,es-1ee.al-case-free -speech /
89. 2016-03-15 Michele Fiore interview Las Vegas Sun
https ://W\ v.voutube .com/watch?time continu~..,-l& - Wof\ pQR5rkM
90. 2016-03-16 John Sepulvado "GOP Politicians Planned and Participated in Key Aspects of Refuge
Occupation" Oregon Public Broadcasting https ://www .opb .org/new serie . burns-oregon-standoffbundy-m iIitia-news-updatcs /republ ican-gop-po litic ians-coal ition-weste rn-states/
91. 2016-03-17 Cheri Roberts "Will Feds Round-Up Bundy Co-Conspirator COWS or Leave Them to Graze
Without Penalty on the Public's Constitution?" Challenging The Rhetoric
https://chal lengingtherhetoric.wordpress.com /2016/03/ I 7/wi I1-feds-round-up -bundv-co-conspi rntorcow. -or-teave-Lheru-to-graze-without-pena lcy-011
-the-pu b Iics-constitution /
92. 2016-03-20 John Sepulvado "Oregon Lawmaker says Roseburg Shooting Prompted 'Fact-Finding' Visit
to Armed Occupation" Oregon Public Broadcasting https ://wwv .opb .org/news /series/bums-oregonstandoff-bundy-mi litia-news-update s/rosebur!!-shooting-republican-pol itician-dallas-heard-occupaLionvisit/
93. 2016-03-21 Jim Camden "GOP Lawmakers Were Asked to Stay Away from Oregon Refuge Occupation
The Spokesman Review hltps ://www.spokesman.com /stories /20 I 6/mar/21/gop-lawmakers-\ ere--askedto- tay-away-from-refuge- /
94. 2016-03-21 David Groves "It's up to Republicans to Hold Rep. Matt Shea Accountable" The Stand
https ://www .the stand .org/2016 /03/its-up-to-eop-to-hol d-rep-shea -accountabl e/
95. 2016-04-04 Conrad Wilson "Refuge Occupation Trial May Seem Simple, but Complications Abound"
Oregon Public Broadcasting http ://www .opb.org/news /serie bums-oregon-standoff-bundy-m ilitianews-updales /trial-ma lheur-refuge-occupiers-political-speech -legal-challenges /
96. 2016-05-07 Les Zaitz "Oregon Occupation 'Reporter' has History of Bomb Making, Illegal Weapons"
Oregon Live/The Oregonian https ://www .oregonlive .com/oref!onstandoff/'.W 16/05/oregon occupal ion reporter has .htmI
97. 2016-05-23 Conrad Wilson "Defense Attorneys Argue Some Malheur Charges are Unconstitutional"
Oregon Public Broadcasting https:// www .opb.org/news/series/burns-oregon- Lancloff-bundv-militianews-update /defense-malheur-refuge-m,cupalion -charges-uncon stitutional /
98. 2016-05-26 Conrad Wilson "GOP Politician is Ammon Bundy's New Lawyer" Oregon Public
Broadcasting https ;//www .opb.ore/ news/series/bums-oregon-standoff -bundv-m iIitia-ne, updates/am mon-new-lawver -m rgan-ph i Ipot-u t.ah-repub Iican/
99. 2016-06-04 OPB Staff"Federal Judge Upholds Charges Against Wildlife Refuge Occupiers" Oregon
Public Broadcasting htlps :l/www .opb .org/new series /burns-ore2.on-scandoff-bundv-m iIitia-newsu pdates/foderal-charges-against-refu!!.e-occupiers-stand/
100. 2016-06-28 Tony Shelton "COWS Investigates Twin Fall Child Rape" Redoubt News
https ://redoubtnews .c m/2016 /06/cows-investigates-twin-falls-child-rnpe /

88

 101. 2016-06-29 Matthew Piper "Militia Members say They Warned Finicum Family about Utahn Accused
of Trying to Bomb BLM Cabin" Salt Lake Tribune
http ://archive.sl trib.coml aiticle .pbp?id=4048563&it pe=CMSTD
102. 2016-Summer Judy Boyle "Bundy Part 1: The Occupation" Range Magazine
http ://ranEremagazine.com/ feat11res/summer-l 6/range-su 16-sr-pattems of harassment.pdf
103. 2016-07-15 Kimberley Freda "Prosecutors : Occupation Supporter Wanted to Take Machine Gun to
Refuge" Oregon Public Broadcasting htrps://www.opb .org/new /series/bum -orcg,on-scandoff-bundvmi Iitia-news-updates /m ich acl-em rv-m ac hine-gun-oreQ.on-bund -refuR
104. 2016-07-20 Standoff Reporter "Is Booda a Cooperating Witness, or was He a Confidential Informant in
the Oregon Standoff?" Oregon Standoff Trials hctps://oregonstandoffirials.\ ordpress.com /"016 /07/"0/ i ·booda-a-cooperali □ it-witness-or-was-be-a-confidential-informant-in-rhe- oregon-standoffi'

105. 2016-08-03 Mike Richards "Press Release - Kris Anne Hall and Congressman Tim Walberg" LFA3.org
http ://www .Ifa3 .or!?/gcneral-n ews/prcss-rel ease-kris-anne-hal 1-and-conere.ssman-tim-walbcrid
106. 2016-08-09 Conrad Wilson "Ryan Bundy Placed in Disciplinary Housing" Oregon Public Broadcasting
https :/lwww .opb .org/news /series/burns-o rcgon-standoff-bundy-militia-news-updates/rvan-bund
-jailstaff-in cident/
107. 2016-08-15 Conrad Wilson "Refuge Occupier Jon Ritzheimer Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy" Oregon
Pub lie Broadcasting h rtps://www .opb.orn/ news/serie s/bums-urt:imn-slar ,du IT-bundy-miIitia-newsupdates /refuge-occup ier-jon-ri tzhei mer-p Iead -guilty /
108. 2016-09-02 Conrad Wilson" 'This Land is Our Land': Defense Strategy" Oregon Public Broadcasting
https://www .opb .or!!/news /series/burns-oregon-standoff-bundy-mi IiLia-news -updates/this-land- is-our1and-de fen e-scraLegv/
109. 2016-09-12 Daniel Walters "Rep. Matt Shea presents Oregon-standoff Figure Bosworth with '2016
Patriot of the Year' Award" Inlander lmps ://ww, .inla11der.com/Bloglander /archives/20 I 6/09/12/repmaCL-I1ea-prcsenrs-oregon-stando ff-fi gure-bosworth-wi th-20 16-patriot-of-the-vcar-award
110. 2016-09-14 Conrad Wilson/Bryan M. Vance "Threat Against Hamey County Sheriff Described in
Testimony" Oregon Public Broadcasting htLps://www.opb.ornJ news/series ums-ore!!on-standoff-bundym iIitia-new -updates /oreEron-sLanuoff-trial-harm:y-counrv-sheri ffdavid-~ ard-restimony /
111. 2016-09-30 Katie Aguilera "FBI Agent Testifies of Advance Warning of Malheur Wildlife Refuge
Takeover Plan" Seeking Redress https ://seek ineredress .com/2016/09/30/fbi-agenl-testi fies-of-advancewarning-of-malheur -wild life-reruge- takeover-plan /
112. 2016-10-05 Conrad Wilson/Anna Griffin/Bryan M.Vance/Bradley W. Parks "Ammon Bundy Testifies :
Guns , Divine Intervention, Greg Walden" Oregon Public Broadcasting
https;//www.opb.org/news /serie.s/burns-oregon-standoff-bundy-mili tia-ncws-updates /ammon-buudvregon-standoff -trial-test imony-day- 2/
113. 2016-10-27 Amelia Templeton/Conrad Wilson/Ryan Haas/Dave Blanchard "All 7 Defendants Found
Not Guilty in Refuge Occupation Trial" Oregon Public Broadcasting
htips://www.opb .org/new · series/bu ms-oree:on-s tan do ff-bundy-mj Iit ia-news-updates /am mon-bundyverd ict-oreeon-standoff-ma Iheur-cour

89

 I 14. 2016-10-28 Sam Lev in/Julia Carrie Wong "Oregon Militia Standoff Trial : Shock and Anger After
Bundys Found Not Guilty" The Guardian hups ://amp .theguardian .com/u -nev s/2016/oc _8/oregon,n iIitia-stan doff•bundy-tria 1-noH~nitty-react ions
I 15. 2016- I 1-10 Matt Shea Patriot Radio interview with Pastor Larry Byrd
hLlp://mattshea .podbean.com /mobile/e/ patriot -radio- 1110_Ql 6-pastor-barrvbvrd/? toke11'
=9ab62 l 0ac6c2b5e9a2e60 ?8e986b 7b08&fb lid=lwAR IoprZt.'<pn_w_D_8_vpf(ieffW
g8RwJv7X
676i73rBgFYOBtFkC u6xeJ9twvkU
I 16. 2016-12-07 Jim Camden "Matt Shea, Bob Mccaslin Propose Creating New State Called 'Liberty ' in
Eastern Washington " The Spokesman Review https ://www.spokesman.com/stories /2016/dec/07 /mattshea -bob-mccaslin-propose-creatine:-new-slate- /
I I 7. 20 I 6-12-14 Pia Hallenberg "Spokane Valley City Council to Vote on Matt Shea's Plan to Split
Washington, Create State of Liberty East of Cascades" The Spokesman Review
h ltps :/ /,.vww.spokesman .com/stories/20 16/dec/ 1-l/spokane-val lev-city-co unci 1-to-vo te-on-matt.-sheas-/
118. 2017-02-02 Jim Camden "Spokane Valley Rep. Matt Shea Elected GOP Caucus Leader in Washington
House The Spokesman Review https://www .spokesrnan.c om/storie 2017/ feb/02/spokane-vallev-repmacr-shea-elected-g op-caucus-le /
119. 2017-02-14 (author unknown) "Oregon StandoffTimeline: 41 Days of the Malheur Refuge Occupation
and the Aftermath" Oregonian /Oregon Live
https://www .oregonli e.com/portland/20 17/02/oregon tandoff timeline 41 <la.html
120. 2017-02-22 Hatewatch Staff"A Sagebrush-Suppo1ting State Legislator with National Political
Ambit ions has Ties to America's Largest Anti-Muslim Hate Group" Southern Poverty Law Center
https://www .splcenter.org/hatcwatch /20 I 7/02i22/sagebrush-supporting- tate-legisJator -national-politicalambitions-has-ties-america%E2%80%99s
I 2 I. 2017-02-27 Conrad Wilson "Former Occupier: Ammon Bundy Plotted Takeover at Secret Meeting"
Oregon Public Broadcast https://www .opb.om./news/serie burn -oregon-sLandoff-bundv-milrtia-new updares/blaine-coopcr-m alheur-oregon-s tandoff-ammon -bundy-meet ing/
122. 2017-03-01 Nina Culver "Sheriffs Deputy Sues Rep . Matt Shea for Defamation" The Spokesman
Review https://www .spokesman.com/stories/2017 /mar/0 I /sheri ffs-deputv-sues-rep-matt- shea-fordefamation/
123. 2017-May Sam Jackson "Conspiracy Theories in the Patriot/Militia Movement" George Washington
University
https ://extremism.e:wu.ed sites/r!lfi les/za,xdzs119 1If/downloads/Jack on.%20 onspiracv %20The ories%
20Final.pdf
124. 2017-05-16 Broadcast "American Patriot: Inside the Uprising Against the Federal Government"
Frontline https ://wv,w .pbs.orniwgbl fron1line/film/a111crican-patriot-inside-the-ar111ed-uprising-againstthc-federa l-governme11"
125. 2017-05-26 Nina Culver "Judge Rules that Defamation Lawsuit Against Rep. Matt Shea Can Continue "
The Spokesman Review Imp ://www .spokesman .com/stories/2017/ma /26/ judge-rules-that-defamationlawsu il-against-reo-ma/

90

 126. 2017-05-30 Shawn Vestal "Rep . Matt Shea Makes a Desperate and Silly Attempt to Shield Himself from
Defamation Lawsuit" The Spokesman Review bttps ://www .spoke man.com/stories/2 0 I 7/mav/30/ estalrep-matt-shea- makes-a-desperare-and-silly-a/
127. 2017-11-04 Anthony Bosworth "Know Your Right to Defense" LFA 3 Percent
http://www .lfa3.org/category /press-release /
128. 2017-12-07 Maxine Berstein "Oregon Refuge Video Reveals Chaos, Anger Night ofFinicum Killing"
Oregon Live https ://wwv .oregonli e.con portland /2017 /12/oregon refuge video revea l ch.hm,I
129. 2017-12-15 Shari Dovale "Exclusive: Rep. Matt Shea Exposes BLM Atrocities" Redoubt News
https://redoubtnews .com/20 I 7/ 12/shea-exposes -blm-atrocities/
130. 2017-12-16 Gary Hunt "Trial of the Century: Larry Wooten Expose on BLM" Redoubt News
https :!/redoubtn ws .com/?0 17/12/ lany -wooren-cxpose -blm/
131. 2017-12-17 Shari Dovale "Representative Shea Reveals More Breaking News About BLM" Redoubt
News hnps ://redo ubtnew .com/2017 112/reo-shea-reveals -breaki ng-news-blm/
132. 2017-12-28 Roger Harnack "Eastern Washington Lawmaker Welcomes Mistrial" Sunnyside Sun
https://www .su.nny idesun .com/news/ea tem-washingro11-lawmnker -welcomes %09m istria l/article e340a718- l b47-552 3-a4fc-fl 85c l 6b2 I 10.html
133. 2018-01-29 Miranda Blue "Institute on the Constitution Meets with State Legislators in Washington &
Idaho" Right Wing Watch https ://www.rigluwi11gwatch.ornlpost/institute -011-the-co11stitll1ion
-m eetswith - tate-legislators-in-washingcon-idaho/
134. 2018-02-14 Matt Shea speech "Future of Liberty" Liberty State
https://\ vw.voutube .com/ atch?v=LPZm77dj94
135. 2018-02-20 (author unknown) Bunkerville Standoff: Ryan Bundy Seeks Evidentiary Hearing on Wooten
Memo NetRush Free https ://nextrushfree .blogspot .com/ 018/02/bunkerville -standoff -rvan-bund seeks.html ?m= 1
136. 2018-02-26 Jennifer Yachnin "After 2 Years in Jail, Ryan Bundy Speaks Out" E&E News
https ://www .eenews .ne swries/ I06007 4659
137. 2018-04-12 Shari Dovale "Bundy Prosecutor Steven Myhre is Out" Redoubt News
https://redoubt news .com/ _Q18/0-1/bundy-prosecuto r-myhre-o ut/
138. 2018-04-30 Arran Robertson "A Bundy Believer Heads to Oregon's Senate" Oregon Wild
hItps://oregonwi Id.org/bundv-bel iever-hea ds-orego ns-senat e
139. 2018-05-13 Shawn Vestal "The State of Liberty May Not Have a Shot, But It's Heady Fiction" The
Spokesman Review hLtps://'www.spokcsman.com /srories/.2018/mav/ 13/shawn -vesta l-the-sta re-o f-libertvmay -not-have-a-s/
140. 2018-06-21 Thomas Clouse "Red Pill Expo Brings Leading Contrarians to Spokane" The Spokesman
Review https://www .spoke man.com/storie 2018/ jun/2 l /red-p ill-e p -brings -leading-conspiracy theorists-/

91

 141. 2018-08-0 I Daniel Walters " ' Label-lynching,' The New Far-Right Buzzword, has Become Part of the
Malheur StandoffNarrative" Inlander Jmps://www.in lander .com/spokane /label-lynchine-the -new-farright-buzzword-has-become-part-of'.-lhe-malheur-standoff-nan-ative /Conlenl ?oid= 11198236
142. 2018-08-18 Rebecca White "Gun Rights Enthusiasts Joined by Shea, Fagan at Franklin Park Rally" The
Spokesman Review https ://www.spokesman.com /srories/'.!018/aug/ 18/trun-rights-enthusiasts-joim:d-byhea-fagan-at-fr a/
143. 2018-08-19 Video "Liberty or Death Rally" - Matt Shea interview Redoubt News
http ://vr.vw.youtube .co111
/wa1ch'7v=oBC7 -EJy · 1o
144. 2018-08-21 Jim Camden "State Rep. Matt Shea Calls Journalists 'Dirty, Godless, Hateful' . GOP Leader
says He Remains Qualified for Task Force" The Spokesman Review
https://www.spokesman.com /srodes /20 I 8/aug/21/shea-Lo-push-for-more-open-records -despi Le-critic·
145. 2018-10-06 John Birch Society 60th Anniversary flyer including "Matt Shea: Using the Constitution to
Stand in the Gap" jbs.org/files/60th-tlyer.pdf
146. 2018-10-12 Chad Sokol "Matt Shea to Join Ammon Bundy at Far-Right Gathering in Whitefish ,
Montana The Spokesman Review https://www.spokesman .com/storie . 2018/oc I "1 matt-shea-to-join ammon-1 undv-at-far-ri!!.hl-gatheri/.
147. 2018-10-14 Jason Wilson "Republicans Join Far-right Figures at Montana Anti-government Event" The
Guardian https://www .theguardian .com/us-ncws/20 18/oc 14/ammon -bund -republicans-far-right figure -monrana-anti -govemmen t-event
148. 2018-10-23 Leah Sottile "Something's Brewing in the Deep West Rolling Stone
https://www.ro llingstone .com/politic pol.itics-features/matt-shea-washington- Late-liberty-744850 /
149. 2018-10-25 Video "Matt Shea Defends ' Biblical Basis for War ' Manifesto " The Spokesman Review
https ://www .spokesman .com/video/JO I 8/oct/25/malt-shea -defends-bibl ical-basi -war-manifesto /
150. 2018-10-25 Matt Shea Face book video "Stopping Disinformation: Christians Must Contend for the
Faith ... Now ... Not Later .. ." Facebook
ht1ps://www.facebook .com/mattsheaw, videos/ ! 02 1737678715781 I/
151. 2018-10-26 Matt Shea Facebook video "It is Time to Contend for the Faith: Vote ... What You Can
Expect Over the Next Week" Facebook
Imp ://www .facebook .com/mansheawa/videos / l 02 17384255624518 /
152. 2018-10-31 Ken Peters/Gabe Blomgren "A Pastor ' s Report on KHQ and Rep Matt Shea Facebook video
https ://www .facebook.com /pastorkenrp / ideos/ IOI 562205450430 74/
153. 2018-10-31 Nancy Dillon "Spokane GOP Leader Authors 'Biblical Basis for War' Manifesto Calling for
End to Abortion, Same-Sex Marriage, and Death of Enemies who Disagree" New York Daily News
hnps ://W½'W. nvda i1vnews .com/news/ nv-news- pokane-pol itician-matt -shea-6 ibIical-war-man ifesto20181 OJ 1-storv.html
154. 2018-10-31 Chad Sokol "Rep. Matt Shea Takes Credit, Criticism for Document Titled 'Biblical Basis
for War' " The Spokesman Review hups ://wW\ .spol esman .com/stories/20 18/oct/26/rep-matt-sheatakes-cred iL-critic ism-for-docume nt-/

92

 I 55. 2018-11-01 Chad Sokol "At Least One of Rep. Matt Shea's Campaign Donors Wants Money Back" The
Spokesman Review https ://www . pokesman.com /stories / _QI8/oc 31/at- lea t-one - f-rep-matt-sheascampaign-dono rs-wan/
I 56. 2018-11-01 John Bowden "FBI Investigating Washington State Rep. for Manifesto Urging 'All Males'
Will be Killed" The Hill https ://thehill.com /homenews /state-watch /4 l~50 -tbi-investigacim?.-washingtons1ate-rep-for-man i fosto-urging-al1-males
157. 2018-11-01 (author unknown)" Washington State Lawmaker's Holy Army Manifesto Prompts FBI
Scrutiny" The Daily Beast hups ://mvw .Lhedailvbeast.comJ,,,ashington-state-Iawmakers-holy-aJ1ny maai festo-pro mpts-tbi-scrutin
158. 2018-11-02 Chad Sokol "AT&T, Washington Realtors Seek Shea Campaign Refunds Over 'Biblical
Basis for War' Manifesto" The Spokesman Review http s://www.spokesman.com /stories /2018/nov /OI /attwashington-rea ltors-seek-shea -campaie.n-refunds /
159. 2018-11-06 Chad Sokol "Matt Shea, Bob McCaslin Sweep Democratic Hopefuls in Spokane Valley's 4th
Legislative District" The Spokesman Review hrrps://www .spokesman .com/stories /2018/nov/06/sheamccasl in-s, eep-democratic -hopefu ls-in-spokan
160. 2018-11-07 Leah Sottile "Extremist Washington Rep . Matt Shea Wins Reelection Bid" Rolling Stone
https://www .rollingstone .com/politics/pol itics-news/ matt- hea-wash ine.1011-elecrion
-752_82/
161. 2018-11-7 Shawn Goggins "Washington Divided? Support for Formation of 51st State Appears to be
Gaining Momentum in 2018" IFiberOne http ://www .i1iberone.com/columbia basin/washington -dividedsupport -for-formation -of-st-state-appears -to/article :.7ec 7u6a-e'.!bc-I 1e8-bea l-bb4a86b8723b.html
162.2018-11-27 Casey Decker "State Rep. Matt Shea Loses Leadership Position in Olympia" Krem2
https :/ ww .krem.com /artic le/news/1 cal/spokane-counrv /state-rep-matt- shea-loscs-leadership-posit io11i11-olv111pia/_93-6
18239719/
163. 2018-12-07 John Dougherty "Embattled Washington Rep. Matt Shea is Skirting State Law to Funnel
Campaign Funds to Far-Right Groups" Southern Poverty Law Center
https://www .splcenter.org/hatewatch / 20 I 8/ 12/07/em battled-was hington-rep-mau-shea -ski rt in g-state-lawfun nel-cam paii,m-fu.nds- for-righl
I 64. 2018-12-16 Jim Camden "Shea Donations From Surplus Campaign Money Prompt Complaint" The
Spokesman Review https ://www .spokesman .com/stories /'.!O18/dec/ 16/shea-donation -from-surpluscampaign -money-prompt- /
165. 2019-01-18 Jim Camden "Rep. Matt Shea Urges Crowd to Resist Gun Restrictions With Firearms
'Behind Every Blade of Grass'" The Spokesman Review
https ://W'vw.spokesrnan.com /stories/20 19/ jan/ 18/rep-matt-shea-urges -cmw l-to-resist-2un -restrictio/
I 66. 2019-01-29 Matt Shea interviews John Jacob Schmidt "Politics of the Day" Patriot Radio
https ://mattshea.pod bean .com/e/matt-shea -wi th-john-jacob-schm idt-po litics-of- the-da /
167. 2019-02-15 Video "Supporters of Forming 51st State of Liberty Gather at Capitol Rotunda" iFiberone
News Radio hnps :1/ww, .voutube .com/watc h? - JE-74fvzQAl
168. 2019-02-15 Jim Camden "Gun Rights, Si s' State are Linked, Shea Tells Rally" The Spokesman Review
https ://www .spokesman .com/stories/2019 /febfl 5/gun-rights-5 I st- rare-are-linked- hea-tells -rallv/

93

 169. 2019-03-14 Matt Shea and John Jacob Schmidt "Critical World Events and Legislative Update" Patriot
Radio http ://maushen.podbean.com / man-shea-wilh-co-ho 1-john-ja ob-schmidr-criLical-world-e entsleg_islative-update/
170. 2019-03-24 Emry Dinman "Liberty State Town Hall: Guns, Taxes, and Soviet Islamic Terror" Columbia
Basin Herald
htLµ~.// www.columbiabasinherald.com /loca.l news/20 I 90324/liberty state town hall gun taxes and
oviet islamic ten-or
171. 2019-03-28 Matt Shea and John Jacob Schmidt "The War on Christianity" Patriot Radio
https ://mattshca .podbcaa .com/ rep-man-shea-with-co-host-johh-jacob-schmidt -rhe-war-on-christianitv /
172. 2019-04-18 John Jacob Schmidt "The Truth: Expose of the Battles Being Fought by Rep. Matt Shea"
Patriot Radio hllps ://mattshea.podbean.com / jobn-jacob-sch111idt-the-tn.tth-expose-of -the-batt le -hei111.!.fough1-by-rep-matt-she
173. 2019-04-20 Jason Wilson "Republican Discussed Violent Attacks and Surveillance With Rightwingers"
The Guardian https://www.the!!uardian .com/worl '.JQI9/apr/ ?0/matt-shea -rightwing-messa2es-chatrecords
174. 2019-04-21 Video "Washington State Rep. Matt Shea Accused of Running Surveillance on Political
Activists" KHQ News hnps://\,V\,v,.v
.khg.com/news/\ ashington-stare-rep-matt-shea -accused -of-runningsurveillance-%0901 video 97378d54-6496- l I e9-9bc9-d3530f50a 706 .html
175. 2019-04-22 Shari Dovale "Unhinged Left Attempts Another Tiresome Attack" Redoubt News
https ://redoubtnews.com /?0 19/04/unhinged-left-attempts -an ther-ciresome-attack/? fbci id= lw RJpSMbTHkr t 3RR vffJ PZV I IOK vg65QuK TWfiNMEkhdOXogcgKPy01Fl3A
176. 2019-04-22 Katie Herzog "Washington Republican Rep. Matt Shea Allegedly Proposed Spying on
Spokane Residents" The Stranger https :/lwww.th stranger .com/slog/2019/04/2 39986-H4 /washing tonrepubiica11-matt-shea-ailegedlv-pro posed-spying-011-spokane -residents/
177. 2019-04-22 Megan Carroll/Sara Roth "Spokane Area Democrats Condemn Rep. Matt Shea after
Investigative Report Surfaces" KREM News https ://www.krem.com /anic le/news/politics/spokane-areadem ocra -condem n-rep-marr-shea-after- investigati ve-report-s urfaces/293-bcbc46c 8-4485-4c0e-85 r-470dadlba527
178. 2019-04-22 Joseph O'Sullivan "Washington Dems Want GOP Rep. Matt Shea Out Over Texts
Discussing Physical Attacks on Political Enemies" The Seattle Times
https://www .seattlerimes .com/seattl e-news/ po Ii tics/wash ington-democrats -ca 11- ti r-gop-state-rep-m a rtshea-to-be"e pel led-aiter- 1atest-al le2:ations/
179. 2019-04-24 Jason Rantz Show "Matt Shea: I do Background Checks on People Who Threaten Me"
KTTH ews https://mvno11hwest.com/l 357982/man-shea-respond -chat-controversy /?
180. 2019-04-24 Chad Sokol "Rep. Matt Shea Links to White Nationalist Website, Defends Running
Background Checks on Political Opponents" The Spokesman Review
hrrps://www.spokesman .com/stories/10 I 9/apr/14/rep-matt-shea-links-to-white-nationalist-web site-d/

94

 181. 2019-04-25 Seattle Times Editorial Board "Rep. Matt Shea Doesn't Deserve a Place in the Republican
Party The Seattle Times https://v; 'IW . eatt letimes.com/opinion /editorials /rep-math hea-doesnt-deservea-place-in -the-republ ican-party /
182. 2019-04-27 Chad Sokol "Rep. Matt Shea was Part of Violent 2017 Chat From the Beginning" The
Spokesman Review httos://www .spokesman .com/stories /2 0 l 9/apri2 7/rep-matt-shea-was-part-of-violent2017-chat-from-t/
183. 2019-04-27 Jim Camden "House GOP to Review Shea Reports" The Spokesman Review
https://www.spokesman .com/stor ies/20 l 9/apr/2 7/house-!!Op-to-review -shea-reports/
184. 2019-04-28 Ryan Blake "Gun Rally Shows Off Weaponry and Flags " Spokesman Review
hup s://www .spokcs man.co m/stories /"019 /apr/'18/gun-rallv -sbows -olf -wea pomy-a nd-fl ags/
185. 2019-05-01 Jason Wilson "Revealed : Republican Lawmaker and Ally Urged Crowd to Prepare for Civil
Unrest" The Guardian lmps ://www .theguardian.com /us-news /20 19/may/Ol /republican -matt-shearightwing -rallv-euns
186. 2019-05-03 Daniel Walters "A Pro-wolf Activist Got a Legal Threat After Sharing a Recording of Matt
Shea and Steve McLaughlin Speeches" Inlander https:/ :vww.inlander.com /spokan a-pro-wolf-acti isteot-a-le!!al-threat-after -sharin!!.-a-recording -of-ma Lt-shea -and-steve -mclaughlin speeches /C'ontent?oid= l 7545234
187. 2019-05-03 Stephanie Klein "Democrats Urge Reprimand of Rep. Matt Shea" My Northwest
https :/!111y1101thwest
.co111
/ 1373 115/democrars -deman d-rcprim and-matt-shea/?
188. 2019-05-04 Tina Podlodowski "Washington GOP Has Many Reasons to Oust Shea" The Spokesman
Review https:// www.spo kesman.co m/storie 20 19fmav/04/tina-podlodowski-washin_ton-2.op-has-manvreasons -t/
189. 2019-05-04 Jim Camden "House Democrats Call for Investigation into Spokane Valley State Rep. Matt
Shea" The Spokesman Review https ://w\vw.spoke-sman.com/storie ? Q 19/may/03/house-democrats-callfor-investigation-into- heal
190. 2019-05-05 Jim Camden "Spin Control : State Democrats' Talk Doesn't Match Actions in Alarm Raised
about Matt Shea" The Spokesman Review https ://www .spoke.sman.com /storie s/20 19/mav/05/spincontrol-state-dernocrats-talk-doe snt-rnatch-a ct/
191. 2019-05-07 Daniel Walters "Representative Shea ' s Secret Group Discussed Sending Severed Wolf Tail
and Testicles to Environmental Activist" Inlander https ://www .inlander.com /spokanc / rep-sheas-secrct group-d iscussed-send ine.- se ered -wol 1:.1
ai l-%09~,u09and-te sticl es-to-environmentalacti vist/Content?oi d= 17572893
192. 2019-05-09 Jason Wilson "Exposed: The Republican Who Stokes Fears of Civil War and Fuels
Conspiracy Theories" The Guardian https ://www.theguardian .com/world/'.!OI 9/may/09/mall- hearcpubli can-stokes -fe.ars-ci il-war-conspi racv-theories
I 93. 20 I 9-05-09 Chad Sokol "Whistleblower Who Leaked Rep. Matt Shea 's Chat Logs Accuses Lawmaker
of Christian Domination Agenda" The Spokesman Review
lmps://www .spokesman . om/storiesl?0 I 9/mav/09/whisUeblower-who- leaked -rep-mat1-sheas -chat-logs-/

95

 194. 2019-05-14 Kayla Gogarty "Alliance Defending Freedom Has an Extremely Shady Network of
Thousands of Attorneys" Media Matters hctps://www .111edi
amauers .ore/a lliance-defendingfreedo111
/a lIian ce-de fend in g- freedom-h as-extrem elv-shadv-n etworkthou sands?red irect source =/bloo-20 19/05/ 1-UAll ianoe-Defending -Freedo111-has
-an-extre melv-s hadv11
etwork -of-thou sands-o f-attom eys/223702
195. 2019-05-14 Matt Shea interview of James Wesley Rawles "Survival Blog" Patriot Radio
h ttps ://martshea .pod bean . 0111
/ c/i am cs-wcsl ev-rawl es-e.ues t-host-ioh n-iacob-schm id
196. 2019-05-24 Chad Sokol "Liberty State Supporters Raise Funds at Event After Tense 'Silent Protest' by
Ex-Matt Shea Backers" The Spokesman Review
hrtps://\\rw-w.spokesman ,com/stor ies/1 0 19/may/2,Vfom,er-rn att-shea -loyalists -escorted-ou t-of- - Ist-s
197. 2019-06-10 Cloee Cooper "How a Right-Wing Network Mobilized Sheriffs' Departments" Political
Research Associates hrtps ://www.politicalresearch .org/2019/06/10 /how-a-right-wing-network-mobilizedsheriffs -dep artments
198. 2019-06-15 Tanner Rowe "Here's Why Representative Shea gets Re-elected by District Voters"
Spokesman Review https: //www.spokesman.com /scories/2019/iu n/ 15/taimer-rowe-heres-whv-rcp-sheagels-re-e lected-b:y-/
199. 2019-06-19 Matt Shea interviews Jeanette Finicum Patriot Radio
https ://m attshea.pod bean .com/e/ jeancttc - f:i11icuu
200. 2019-07 Leah Sottile "Bundyville: The Remnant Chapter 4: The Preacher and the Politician" Long
Reads https ://longreads.com/2019 /07118/bundyvi lle-lhe-renmant-chapt er-fouMhe-preacher-and-thepolitician /
201. 2019-07 Leah Sottile "Bundyville" The Remnant Chapter 5: The Remnant" Long Reads
https:// lon!!reads.com/ 1 019/07/ 19/bundvvi Ile-the-rem nant-chapter-five-the-remnant /
202. 2019-07-29 Jim Camden "Independent Team Signed for Shea Investigation" The Spokesman Review
https ://www.spo kesman .cm stories/20 I9/jul/2 9/ independent -team- igned-for-shea-in estigation /
203. 2019-08-02 Shari Dovale "Washington Dems and Their Emotional Vendetta" Redoubt News
https:// redoubu,ews .com/20 19/08/washington-dems-emot ional-vendetta/
204. 2019-08-08 Chris D' Angelo "Land Transfer Advocate and Longtime Agency Combatant Now Leads
BLM" High Country News h ttps ://www .hcn.org/articl es/c Iinrnte,-desk-bureau-of- lancl-mana !!Cment-landLransfer-advoca te-and -longti me-agencv-combatant-n ow-leads-blm
205. 2019-08-14 Jason Wilson "Revealed: Republican Lawmaker Aided Group Training Young Men for
'Biblical Warfare' "The Guardian httns ://www.theguardia n.com/world/20 l 9/aug/ 13/matt-shea-biblica lwar-wash i11gron-team -ru ge:ed
206. 2019-08-14 Chad Sokol "Rep. Matt Shea Endorsed Training Children to Fight in Holy War" The
Spokesman Review https://www .spokesman.com / stories/2019/aug/ 14/rep -matt -shea-e ndorse d-crainingchild-soldier s-for/
207. 2019-08-14 Megan Carroll "Rep. Matt Shea Tied to Washington-based Group Training Men for
'Biblical Warfare', Report Says" KREM2 https://www.kre m.com/articlc/ news/polit ics/rep-matt-shea -

96

 tied-to-washi11e.ton-based-2roup-tra ininf!-men-for-bib lical-, arfare-report-says /293-b9e4ebef-2ec I-..J.
bac8b76-4e9e9e I adft)4
208. 2019-08-18 Chad Sokol "More From the Matt Shea Files : GPS Trackers, a 'Provisional Government'
and a Hunt for Moles" The Spokesman Review https ://www .spokesman .com/stories/20 19/aucr 18/m refrom- the-shea-f i les-gps-trackers-a-provis iona/
209. 2019-08-19 Staff Reports "Spokane City Council Members , Other Leaders Reportedly Targeted by Rep .
Matt Shea Call for His Resignation " The Spokesman Review
https ://www .spokesman .com/ tori /?0 19/aug/19 /spokane-city-council -membcrs -other-leaders-rcportc /
210. 2019-08-20 Rebecca White/Kip Hill/Chad Sokol "Spokane Mayor David Condon , Police Chief Craig
Meidl Say State Rep. Matt Shea is Unfit for Office " The Spokesman Review
hrtps://v-.n,,vw
.spokesman.com /stories/20 I 9/aug/20 /spokane -mayor-david-condon-police -chief-craig-meid /
211. 2019-08-21 Shawn Vestal "It's up to Matt Shea ' s Voters to do the Right Thing- and They Haven't
Done it Yet " The Spoke sman Review http ;J/ww\\ 1 .spokcsman.com /srories/2019/aug/21/shaw n-vescal-itsup-Lo-matt-shea.s- oters-Lo-do-the/
212. 2019-08-21 Jerry Cornfield "To Expel or Not to Expel Matt Shea, That May be the Question " Herald
Net htlps: //~vw .heral dn t. com/11ews/to-expel -or-not-to-expcl-ma u-shea-that-may-bc-Lhe-questi on/
213 . 2019-08-24 Chad Sokol "5151 State Supporters Reserve Booth at Spokane County Interstate Fair, Draw
Scrutiny" Spokesman Review https ://www .sp kesma11.corn/stories/2019/aug/24/51 st-state - upp rtersrcserve-bomh-ar -spokane-cou/
214. 2019-08-29 Chad Sokol "Whistleblower Links Rep. Matt Shea to Document Describing Creation of
Theocratic 'Redoubt' Territory" The Spokesman Review
ht tps:/ /www.spokesman .com/stories/?O l 9/au!!.i29/whisLIeblower-1ink:s-rep-mau -shea-to-docum en t-desc/
215. 2019-08-29 Rev. Genaviene Haywood "Letter : Faith Leaders and Leaders of Conscience Call for the
Removal of Rep . Matt Shea" Inlander hlrps://www.inlander.com /spokane/readersrespond /Conlent?oicl= 181914 15
216. 2019-09-03 Iosep O'Sullivan "Some Corporate Donors Tum Away from Washington Rep. Matt Shea
After Controversies" The Seattle Times hnps: // www.seaLtletimes.com/seattle -news/pol itics/somecorporate -donors -shv-away-from-washi ngton-rep-matt-shea-after -controvers ies/
217. 2019-09-04 Chad Sokol "Liberty State Proponents Push Plan to Secede from Washington at Moses Lake
Press Conference" The Spokesman Rev iew https ://wwv,.spokesman .com/storie · 2019/sep/0-1/libertvstate-proponents -push-p lan-to -secede-from-/
218. 2019-09-19 David "The Execution ofLaVoy Finicum: Lawsuit Dismissed" NC Renegade
hnps ://ncrenegade .com/editor ial/the-execution-of-lavoy -finicum-lawsuit-dismissed/
219. 2019-09-24 Kyle Simchuk "Spokane Valley Town Hall Calls Out Rep . Matt Shea, White Supremacy in
Community " KXL Y News https ://www .kxly .com/news/spokane-val lev-cown-hall-cal l -ou1-rep-maushea-,vhite-supremacy-in-communitv / I 1249934 70
220. 2019-09-26 Daniel Walters "An Apocalyptic Book Series Shows the Type of Society Rep . Matt Shea
and His Allies Dream of Rebuilding " Inlander https:/Avww.ln lander.com/spokane /an-apocalyptic -book-

97

 seri es-shows-the-tv pe-o f-society-rep-matt-shea-and-h is-al Iies-dream-ofrebu iIding/Con tent?o id= 18345627
221. 2019-09-30 Hanna Scott "Investigation into Rep. Matt Shea Continues Longer Than Expected" My
Northwest Imps :/Imynortlnvest.com / I 5" 5865/matt-shea-i nvesti gation-cont inues/am p/
222. 2019-09-30 Rich Smith "Democrats Increase Pressure on Corporations to Cut Ties with Matt Shea" The
Stranger https ://www.thestranger.com /slo 0 20 l 9/09r0 /4 J 536694/democrats-increase -pressure-oncorpora tions-to-cut-ties-with-matt-shea
223. 2019-10-10 TNA Video "Radical Islamic Ideology in the United Nations" The New American
https://www .thenewame rican.com/world-news /item/33645-matt-s hea-radical-isla mic-%09ideology-inthe-united-nations
224. 2019-10-11 Karina Brown "Washington State Lawmaker Espouses Hatred of Muslims in Video"
Courthouse News https://www .courthousenews .com/,vashin1:rtonsrate-lawmaker-es pouse -hatred-of:.
muslims-in-video /
225. 2019-10-28 Matt Shea Video "Rep. Matt Shea Exposes the Real Threats We Face Spokane, WA" Notth
Idaho Exposed https://www .youtube .com/watch ?\r- 4elmub00q6 &t=5380s
226. 2019-11-0 l Joe Davidson "Ammon Bundy, Anti-Government Militant, Accuses House Witness in
Man's Death" The Washington Post https://-www.washingtonpost.com /politic s/am mon-bund -antigovernme111-militant-accuses-house -witnes s-in-mans-death/2019/10/31 /8dd078f4-fc 1a- l le9-9534e0dbcc96683 story .html
227. 2019-11-08 Jason Wilson "Secret Chats Involving Republican Lawmaker Reveal Fresh Evidence of
Plots and Paranoia" The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com orld /2019/nov/08 /matt-shearepublican-far-ri llht-lcaked-chnts-washington-state
228. 2019-11-17 Shawn Vestal "Rep. Matt Shea Saw Ex-WSU GOPer James Allsup Not as a Bigot but as an
Ally Spokesman Review https://www.spokesman .com/stories/2 0 I 9/nov/1 7/shawn-vestal-rep-mart-sheasaw-e -w u-goper-jame -/
229. Website for the Three Percenters "About Us"
hrtps://www.thethreeperccntcrs.or!! /about-us
230. 2019-01-09 Rob Davis "Months Before Malheur Occupation, Another Oregon Land Dispute Galvanized
Militants" The Oregonian
https ://www.oreimnli e.corn/oregon-standoff /2016/0 I/months before ma lheur occupari.html
231 . Website for Operation Mutual Defense (OMD) "Mission Statement
http://www.outpost-of-freedom .com/OMD/mission statement.htm
232. Facebook page "Coalition of Western States (COWS)-About"
hLtps://www .facebook .com/pgJCoaltio nofWeste rn tates/about/?rcl= pagc internal
233. 2019-08-01 Ben Collins "Local FBI Field Office Warns of Conspiracy Theory-Driven Domestic
Extremists" NBC News
hnps ://www.nbcnews .com/ tech/tech-news/local-'fbi-field-office-warns -conspiracy-U1eorv-dri endomestic-extremists-n I 03844 l

98

 234 . 2019-05-08 Michael C. McGarrity "Confronting the Rise of Domestic Terrorism in the Homeland"
Statement for the Record before the House Homeland Security Committee
Imps://www .fbi.go /news/te. ti monv/con frontin!!-Lhe-rise-ot~dom estic-terrorism-in-the-homeland
235. 2013-06-05 Joe Wolverton II "Constitutional Sheriffs Convention a Successful Promotion of Liberty"
The New American
h ttps: //www .thenewamerican.com /usnews/consti tut ion/ item/ 15617-consritutioaal-sheri ffs-con ention-asucce ful-promotion -of- liberty
236. 2014-04-21 Rick Anderson "When State Rep. Matt Shea Arrived at the Bundy Ranch" Seattle Weekly
https ://ww, .seattlewcck.l .corn/news/when-state -rep-man -shea-arrived -at-the -bundy-ranch-outside-1

99

 APPENDICES

100

APPENDIX A
Representative Matt Shea

101

Background Information - Representative Matt Shea
According to Representative Shea ' s online postings, he was born in Spokane, WA and lived there until he
was IO years of age. His family moved to Bellingham WA for 8 years where he completed his high
school education.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Gonzaga University in 1996 where he majored in history and
puliLical science .
'
He entered the US Army in 1996 as a second Lieutenant and was deployed to Bosn ia-Herzegovina, Iraq
and Kuwait during his 10 year period of service. He left the Army as Captain in 2006 .
Investigators located online postings of Representative Shea's Bronze Star Certificate awarded to him on
December 1, 2004 for meritorious service during Operation Iraqi Freedom II. During that time, he served
as Captain , Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 151 Battalion, 161' 1 Infantry Regiment. Investigators
located his "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" from Representative Shea's Facebook
page that indicated he was honorably separated from US Army active 3/19/2005.
Representative Shea obtained his law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law in 2006 and is a
licensed attorney with the Washington State Bar Association.
Representative Shea is a member of the Republican party and entered public office after winning the
Washington State District 4 election in 2008 defeating Democrat Tim Hattenburg. He was re-elected in
2010 and ran unopposed; defeated Democrat Amy Biviano 2012; defeated Republican Josh Arritola in
2014 ; defeated Democrat Scott Stucker in 2016 , and defeated Democrat Ted Cummings in 2018 .
Representative Shea was married to Lisa Shea from 2002 through 2008 . He married his current spouse
Viktoriya Shea in 2008.

Additional Known Affiliations - Representative Shea
Institute on the Constitution - Mission is to restore American Founding Father's Biblical,
Constitutional, American view of law and government.

The Red Pill Expo - Master of Ceremonie s in 2018 with speakers characterized as far-right extremists
and a marketplace for conspiracy theories Spokesman Review Red Pill Expo ..... June 21, 2018

Act For America - Representative Shea started the Spokane Chapter. A US based anti-Muslim group
dedicated to com batting the threat of radical Islam
John Birch Society- speaker at 60 th Anniversary event in October 2018 137 events and online interviews
Part of the Patriot Movementv iewed as radical right claimed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 violated the
10th Amendm ent, adheres to anti-government docld nes
Alliance Defending Freedom Network - Representative Shea is an attorney member affiliate . A
network of allied attorneys who are viewed as extreme anti-LGBTQ and takes positions on almost every
aspect. Non-published list of members, discrete.

137

E12L

102

 Pacific Justice Institute - Member. Organization is anti LGBTQ group who characterize gay marriage to
Hitler and the Nazis ascent in Germany, endorse sexual conversion therapy, call LGBTQ advocacy as gay
porn to children.
The Freedom Foundation - Supporter - mission is to advance individual liberty, free enterprise and
limited, accountable government
Restore America Club established in 2015 - founding member with Rep Graham Hunt, Rep Elizabeth
Scott, Rep Jesse Young, Rep David Taylor. Promotes the 9th and 10th Amendment rights of the states,
coordination by local governments and self-governance.

103

 APPENDIX 
Incident Reports - Public Record Requests

104

Incident Reports - Public Records Requests
Through a Public Records Request relating to Representative Shea being named either a subject,
complainant victim or witness in any and all cases documented with the Spokane County Sheriff's Office,
Investigators obtained Incident Report# 07-275397 dated 9/19/2007 entitled "DV Order Violation". The
Deputy investigator noted that Restraining Order No. 07-3-01743-5 was issued by the Spokane County
Commissioner on 9/4/2007 against Matthew T. Shea. In the order, Matthew T. Shea who we know to be
Representative Shea, was ordered to relinquish his firearm to "a mutually agreed third party or counsel."
Lisa Shea complained to her attorney that Matthew T. Shea, now known to investigators to be
Representative Shea, had not complied with the order by mutual agreement with Lisa Shea as to who
would maintain the firearm. The Deputy investigator determined the firearm had been given to
Representative Shea's father.
Representative Shea was divorced from his first wife, Lisa Shea, in January 2008 after approximately 5
years of marriage, and remarried that same year.
In November 2010, Representative Shea won re-election running unopposed in the primary and general
elections.
In 2011, Representative Shea was involved in an incident with another motorist in Spokane, WA in which
he pulled a gun and was later cited by the Spokane County Sheriff's Office for having an expired
concealed carry permit.
Investigators ohtained a copy of the Incident Report# 11-364413 dated 11/23/2011 through a public
records request and determined Representative Shea was involved in an aggressive driving incident with
another motorist. The identity of the other motorist was redacted which investigators believe to be
consistent with concealing the identity of a minor. The witness statement from the other motorist
contradicted Representative Shea's statement that he (Representative Shea) simply pulled the weapon
from the glove box and placed it on the passenger seat. The motorist stated that Representative Shea
pointed a finger at him and made a motion like he was shooting a gun and pulling the trigger before he
actually pulled the weapon from his glove box and made it visible to him (the other motorist). According
to the witness, Representative Shea pulled a handgun from his glovebox and made a motion so that the
motorist could see that he (Representative Shea) had a gun. He then placed it on the front passenger seat
in plain view . The motorist sped up to get away and then called 911.
The Spokane Police Department responded to the incident by interviewing a witness, the other motorist
and Representative Shea after the incident was reported by a witness. The Deputy questioned the veracity
of Representative Shea's statement that he was fearful of the other motorist while still continuing to
pursue him and not get away. During the interview of Representative Shea, the Deputy determined
Representative Shea had an expired concealed carry permit. Investigators determined Representative Shea
was given a citation for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit.
Through public records requests, Investigators obtained determined the following:

On May 29, 2012, Representative Shea filed a complaint with the Spokane Police/Spokane County
Sheriff's Office, Incident Report# 12-165282 in which he reported damage done to a number of his
campaign signs with swastikas painted on them. He believed the swastikas were in retaliation to his
stance on the marriage bill that had recently passed in the Washington Legislature . There was no further
investigation .

105

 On June 22, 2014, a concerned citizen overheard conversations between Representative Shea and 4 other
men at a restaurant speaking about the Bundy Ranch, the militia, snipers, special forces, churches, the
Oath Keepers and heard the names Stewart Rhodes and Ryan Payne. She heard the men talking about a
thermal night vision monocular and were passing it around for everyone at the table to see. She became
alarmed after looking up the names Stewart Rhodes and Ryan Payne and determined they were associated
with the Oath Keepers and the militia. She found online photographs and recognized Stewart Rhodes as
the man doing most of the talking at the table. She Luuk.phulus of all men sitting at the table and provided
them to the Spokane Police/Spokane County Sheriffs Office who in tum provided to the Joint Terrorism
Task Force (JTTF). Investigators in this investigation confirmed witness statement to law enforcement by
contacting the witness who agreed to an interview. Spokane Police/Spokane County Sheriff, Incident
Report# 14-200005.
June 3, 2015 - Representative Shea cited for speeding in school zone. No further information available.
On March 1, 2017 a defamation case was filed in Spokane County, Case # 172007760, Travis 0.
Pendell v Matthew T Shea. This case was settled with no trial May 31, 2019. Investigators determined
this case was a defamation case in which Representative Shea accused Deputy Travis Pendell, Spokane
County Sheriff's Office of selling a gun to a subject Roy Murry who was charged, arrested and convicted
of a triple homicide in Washington state.
On May 23, 2019 - Complainant Robert Steven Chase, Liberty Lake, WA filed a complaint with the
Spokane County Sheriff, Case # 2019-10069499, regarding an argument at the Discovery Park Center in
which a private event was taking place and an argument ensued with a group of uninvited guests.
Representative Shea was speaking on the 51st State. Sheriff's deputies arrived and asked the men to leave
and they did so peacefully. Sheriff's deputies conducted no interviews and did not get the names of the
attendees who were accused of causing the disturbance. Investigators interviewed two witnesses in this
matter who were in attendance and were asked to leave. Both witnesses stated the event was posted online
as a call out to Liberty State supporters to attend on the date, and at the time and location of the event.
Witnesses received the communication inviting attendees and further stated they had questions about the
51st State and wanted to hear Representative Shea speak. One witness identified as the leader had posted a
question to Representative Shea after reading his Facebook posting indicating the 51st State to be a
Christian state where gay marriage would not be allowed, among other things. The event security
included armed 63rd Lightfoot militia members who prevented the witne sses and their entourage to enter
the meet ing. A confrontation between the witnesses and armed member of the 63 rd Lightfoot militia
ensued and resulted in the call to the Sheriff's Office and the prevention of the witnesses from hearing
Representative Shea speak on that occasion.

106

 APPENDIX 
Witness Statements

107

APPENDIX 
Electronic Documents

108