Bunkerville commander Jerry DeLemus departs Bundy ranch to run for Strafford County sheriff
The founder of Rochester’s Glenn Beck-inspired 9/12 Project is headed home from Cliven Bundy’s Nevada ranch to run for Strafford County sheriff.
Three weeks ago, Jerry DeLemus grabbed his Gadsden flag and raced to Bunkerville, Nevada to support the cattle rancher in his confrontation with federal officials. When he arrived, the former Marine sergeant was appointed commander of the growing armed militia and was featured in numerous news reports and videos.
Police Feared Bloodbath
The protesters had gathered to prevent Bureau of Land Management (BLM) officials from impounding Bundy’s cattle over his refusal to pay grazing fees for use of federal land.
KLAS-TV reported a tense confrontation ensued involving 400 militia members and approximately 30 local police officers. Police said they feared for their lives as some of the heavily armed protesters appeared to be trying to incite a violent outcome.
“As the crowd swelled and tempers flared,” reporter George Knapp wrote, “many in the crowd tried to goad the police, hurling taunts and insults.”
The “bloodbath” police feared was averted when BLM officials announced they were ending the roundup and releasing Bundy’s cattle.
Bundy’s Racist Remarks
Soon afterwards, Bundy was filmed holding forth on “the Negro“ and suggesting blacks might be "better off as slaves.” The conservative commentators and politicians who had rushed to support him were soon in full retreat.
DeLemus, however, defended Bundy. “There’s not a racist bone in his body,” he told the Nashua Telegraph. Bundy was trying to make a point about welfare, he said, and how “it’s decimated the black family.”
Most of the armed militia subsequently dispersed. Thursday, DeLemus and crew also left the ranch. Josh DeLemus tweeted, “Our objective is complete. We felt the mission was a success so we are heading home! This was a victory over tyranny.”
Oath Keepers Confrontation
On his way back to New Hampshire, DeLemus is reportedly making a stop in Montana to meet with Oath Keepers’ chaplain, Chuck Baldwin, in an attempt to mend fences with the group.
During the height of the standoff, members of Oath Keepers, a fast-growing “patriot” group made up of current and former members of the military, had a violent confrontation with militia leaders who accused the Oath Keepers of “desertion” and “dereliction of duty.”
One of the Granite State militia members reportedly assaulted an Oath Keeper after members of the group circulated rumors that the feds were planning a drone strike. “We knew the situation was this close from being a gun fight, right there inside the camp,” reported Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes.
DeLemus for Sheriff
A few weeks ago, Delemus’ wife Susan, a former state House Representative best known for her birther antics, posted a brief Facebook message: “Jerry DeLemus for Sheriff of Strafford County, NH.”
In a video recorded by Jason Patrick, the man who filmed Cliven Bundy’s notorious speech on “the Negro,” an unidentified compatriot confirms DeLemus is planning to run for sheriff when he gets back to New Hampshire.
“He’d make a good sheriff,” he says. “He’s aware of the Constitution and how to enforce it on both sides of the aisle, keeping the government in check and keeping the people obeying the constitutional laws.”
Meanwhile, KLAS-TV reports local police are working to identify militia members who aimed their guns at officers. "Yes, there will be consequences, definitely,“ said Clark County Assistant Sheriff Joe Lombardo. "That is unacceptable behavior.”