COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – An Idaho man is facing federal charges relating to the 2014 Bundy ranch standoff in Nevada.
Todd Engel appeared in federal court in Coeur d’Alene on Thursday. A judge ruled that he must remain in jail.
Engel was arrested in Coeur d’Alene on March 3 by FBI special agents. His arrest stems from his alleged involvement in the 2014 standoff between armed protesters and federal agents near the ranch of Cliven Bundy. According to documents filed in federal court, Bundy put out a call to arms which Engel answered. Documents said, "Engel knowingly traveled from Idaho to Nevada with firearms and ammunition and the intent to use them against those law enforcement officers."
Documents from prosecutors also contain a photo saying, "Engel was a gunman who became a sniper on a bridge during the assault and extortion of the federal officers at the Impoundment Site." Prosecutors said he also made comments online about loading magazines into his assault rifle in response to a showdown with federal agents. After his arrest, documents say Engel admitted to his role in the 2014 Nevada standoff. He also allegedly told agents that he traveled to the Malheur Wildlife Refuge back in January.
During a search of Engel's truck, FBI agents found a loaded assault rifle along with extra magazines and a ballistic vest. Engel is facing seven separate charges including Assault on a Federal Officer with a Deadly Weapon and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense against the United States.
The US attorney's office said that Engel's defense team argued in court today that he was not a flight risk. However, a federal judge ordered him to be detained pending his transfer to Nevada.
Engel will be transferred to federal court in Nevada because that's where he was charged. It is not clear when that will take place.