LAS VEGAS (AP) — In a dramatic end to a contentious trial, defense attorneys declined to present closing arguments on behalf of four men accused of wielding assault weapons against federal agents in a 2014 standoff near rancher and anti-government figure Cliven Bundy's ranch.
The move on Tuesday derailed plans for Acting U.S. Attorney Steven Myhre to have the last word in rebuttal before a jury of eight women and eight men began deliberating 10 charges including conspiracy, weapon possession and assault on a federal officer.
The move also echoed the refusal in April 2016 of two of Bundy's adult sons and three other defendants to enter not-guilty pleas to charges brought against them in federal court in Las Vegas. They said then that they didn't recognize authority of the government to prosecute them.
Myhre and attorneys representing Idaho residents Scott Drexler, Eric Parker and Steven Stewart declined comment outside court.
Attorney Shawn Perez represents Ricky Lovelien of Montana and Oklahoma. Perez says he doesn't think the government proved its case, so no closing argument was needed.