UPDATE: Cliven Bundy refused to enter a plea during today's court appearance. The judge entered a not-guilty plea for him. Bundy will remain in custody until next court appearance.
EARLIER STORY
Bunkerville rancher Cliven Bundy is due in court Thursday afternoon and many of his faithful supporters have gathered outside the federal courthouse in downtown Las Vegas.
"This is a tremendous injustice," says one supporter, Bobby Florentz. "If we don't stand up for injustice, who will?"
Bundy is facing numerous charges resulting from a standoff two years ago with the Bureau of Land Management over grazing fees.
Bundy's wife and other family members and friends announced earlier this week that they were planning to rally outside the courthouse to show their support of Bundy.
"He longs to be home with his family, on the ranch, watching the baby calves be born and the green grass grow," says Bundy's wife, Carol. "He's a cowboy and he needs to be home on the ranch."
Bundy is expected to tell the court whether or not he hired a lawyer, enter a plea to the charges, and ask for release pending trial.
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Las Vegas police have been making preparations for the last couple of days in anticipation of a large crowd of possibly armed supporters making an appearance.
It is legal to carry guns in the open in the state of Nevada.
Bundy made his first appearance in a Las Vegas courtoom last Friday after he was brought here from Oregon.
He was arrested in Oregon after he flew up there to show support for his sons who had been arrested for their participation in a standoff on a wildlife refuge in the state.
A total of 19 people have been arrested in connection to the standoff that took place in Nevada in April 2014. Federal agents were attempting to round up cows that belong to Bundy because of the unpaid grazing fees.
So far, the protest in front of the courthouse has been peaceful.
Carol Bundy joins the rally, she's here to support Cliven Bundy ahead of his court appearance this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/GvkOk32CTA
— Marissa Kynaston (@marissaktnv) March 10, 2016
Carol Bundy: They're treating him like a criminal when he's innocent. This is for America, pray for America.
— Marissa Kynaston (@marissaktnv) March 10, 2016
Carol Bundy says her family has become a symbol of an overreaching gov: "If that's what it takes for America to be free, I'll take it."
— Marissa Kynaston (@marissaktnv) March 10, 2016
Close to 100 Cliven Bundy supporters gather outside the federal courthouse, ahead of his court appearance. pic.twitter.com/5n2wRODG9D
— Marissa Kynaston (@marissaktnv) March 10, 2016
