EMMETT, Idaho — Ammon Bundy, a prominent figure known for his involvement in various protests and legal battles, was apprehended Friday evening by the Gem County Sheriff’s Office. His arrest was carried out on the grounds of a warrant related to contempt charges stemming from a legal dispute with St. Luke’s Health System. Distinctive footage captured by KTVB indicates that Bundy was taken into custody at a fundraising event for Emmett High School’s football team.
Records held by the Gem County Jail reveal that Bundy’s arrest pertains to a contempt charge issued in Ada County. He has the option to secure his release by posting a $10,000 bond. In the event that he chooses not to post bail, he will remain incarcerated over the weekend, with a scheduled court appearance on Monday morning. Subsequently, within 24-48 hours of the hearing’s arrangement, he will be transferred to the Ada County Jail.
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Should Bundy opt for release on bond, Ada County will determine a court date for further proceedings.
Following Bundy’s apprehension, a gathering of his supporters congregated at the Gem County Jail. As KTVB’s Alexandra Duggan reported from the scene, some demonstrators held signs and vocalized their sentiments, yet the atmosphere remained peaceful.
The legal conflict between Bundy and the hospital originated when Bundy, alongside Diego Rodriguez and their respective organizations, organized a series of protests targeting St. Luke’s Health System. These demonstrations, commonly known as the “Baby Cyrus” protests, were sparked by allegations that doctors and Child Protective Services (CPS) had “medically kidnapped” Rodriguez’ infant grandson. The culmination of these protests forced the hospital into lockdown for nearly two hours on March 15, 2022, leading to patient diversions and restricted visitor access.
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Subsequently, following the legal proceedings, Bundy abstained from cooperating and instead engaged in a campaign of harassment against witnesses involved in the lawsuit. St. Luke’s Health System’s attorneys responded by filing a contempt motion against Diego Rodriguez and his organization, Freedom Man Press, citing persistent harassment of witnesses tied to their defamation case against Bundy, Rodriguez, and their affiliated entities.
Ultimately, Bundy faced defeat in the courtroom, resulting in a jury verdict demanding him and Rodriguez to pay St. Luke’s and other plaintiffs damages exceeding $52 million due to ongoing protests and harassment.
Erik Stidham, the attorney representing St. Luke’s, conveyed that the contempt warrant encompasses several aspects, including allegations of witness intimidation during the trial, failure to fulfill monetary obligations, and non-compliance with court orders. Despite the trial’s conclusion, these warrants persist. Stidham expressed uncertainty about the delay in Bundy’s arrest and emphasized the universality of the rule of law, asserting that it applies to everyone, Bundy included.
In response to Bundy’s arrest, the Emmett School District issued a statement on Saturday, expressing regret that the incident transpired at an event intended to support student athletes. The district clarified that it was not responsible for organizing the fundraiser and that the event did not take place on school premises. The district’s statement underscored support for law enforcement and their challenges, reiterating their dedication to fostering a positive environment for their football team.
Notably, in October 2020, Bundy’s resistance to wearing a mask or leaving school grounds prompted the cancellation of a high school football game between Emmett and Caldwell during halftime.
