On this day 33 years ago: The Ruby Ridge standoff began

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The Ruby Ridge standoff (August 21–31, 1992) was an 11-day confrontation between Randy Weaver’s family and federal agents in rural northern Idaho.

Background: Randy Weaver, a former Green Beret and survivalist, had moved his family to Ruby Ridge to live off the grid. He became involved with white separatist circles. After selling two sawed-off shotguns to an informant, he was charged with firearms violations. He failed to appear in court due to confusion over the date, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Initial Incident: U.S. Marshals went to survey the Weaver property on August 21. A shootout broke out between marshals and the Weaver family/dog. Deputy U.S. Marshal William Degan, Weaver’s 14-year-old son Sammy, and the family dog were killed.

Escalation: The FBI surrounded the cabin. The next day, Weaver was shot and wounded by a sniper. His wife, Vicki Weaver, was killed by the same sniper while holding their baby.

Standoff: The family, along with family friend Kevin Harris (also wounded), holed up inside the cabin for days, refusing to surrender.

Resolution: Civilian negotiators (including Bo Gritz, a former Green Beret and militia figure) eventually persuaded Weaver to surrender on August 31.

Aftermath:

Randy Weaver was acquitted of all major charges except failing to appear in court.

The federal government faced heavy criticism for excessive force and rules of engagement.

Weaver’s family later won a $3.1 million settlement in a wrongful death suit.

The incident, along with Waco (1993), fueled anti-government sentiment and became a rallying point for militia and patriot movements in the U.S.

In short: Ruby Ridge was a botched federal operation that resulted in the deaths of a marshal, a child, and a mother, and it had a lasting influence on anti-government extremism in America.

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