A Washington state lawmaker took part in “domestic terrorism” against the United States during a 2016 standoff at a wildlife refuge in Oregon and traveled throughout the West meeting with far-right extremist groups, according to an investigative report released Thursday. Prior to the release of the report Shea was defiant. The report noted Shea declined to be interviewed as part of the probe. Shea has also pursued creation of a 51st state in eastern Washington that would be called Liberty and run on biblical principles. Shea is popular in his very conservative district and was re-elected in 2018 with 58% of the vote.

Source: Los Angeles Times December 20, 2019 01:18 UTC