Judge denies Cliven Bundy’s request to represent himself in upcoming trial

By Brian Seay

Cliven Bundy in front of his home on his 160-acre Nevada ranch in 2014. (Photo: Mike Blake/Reuters)
A judge denied Bunkerville rancher Cliven Bundy’s request Wednesday to fire his lawyer and represent himself.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Peggy Leen asked Bundy whether he was ready for the trial, set to begin in a couple weeks. “Well I doubt it,” he said, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Bundy and five other men face a slew of charges related to an armed standoff more than three years ago that started when Bureau of Land Management agents came to collect Bundy’s cattle in lieu of a million dollars in backed grazing fees. Dozens of people came from all over the country to support Bundy. Nearly 20 people have been arrested and charged in connection with the standoff.
“Mr. Bundy has demanded that this present request be made,” wrote attorney Bret Whipple last week in a motion to withdraw from the case.
“It is unknown to undersigned counsel at this time whether or not Defendant Bundy seeks to represent himself at trial, or if he has some other intent in regards to securing alternative counsel,” Whipple wrote. “Given this circumstance, the Court should hold a hearing with Defendant Bundy

Source: Guns.com