CNN - Negotiator in Freemen standoff gives up
David Schmidt
Published Apr 11, 2026
Negotiator in Freemen standoff gives up
May 21, 1996
Web posted at: 9:45 p.m. EDT
LINCOLN, Montana (CNN) -- Colorado state Sen. Charles Duke gave up his efforts to end the 58-day standoff between the anti-government Freemen and the FBI Tuesday. He said the Freemen showed no real desire to compromise, and that after five days of talks, "it just became sheer lunacy." (256K AIFF sound or 256K WAV sound)
He said a solution seemed close at times, but the Freemen kept escalating their demands. At one point, Duke said, they demanded President Clinton's signature on a document. (300K AIFF sound or 300K WAV sound)
He said he is now convinced the Freemen don't want a peaceful solution.
Duke says he believes the situation will end peacefully, but not without force. He said the FBI had pursued every avenue for a peaceful solution.
Duke accused the Freemen of fraud, calling their motives into question and warning sympathizers not to be deceived.
"These people have absolutely nothing to do with the patriotic movement," Duke said. "My recommendation to anyone who considers themselves in the patriot movement or the militia movement is to stay away from Jordan, Montana."
Duke said there are only about half a dozen people on the ranch who properly classify themselves as Freemen. Duke said the others inside the compound have a variety of agendas, and are most concerned about escaping any serious charges.
The Freemen have been holed up at a Montana ranch since two of their leaders were arrested and charged with carrying out a $1.8 million check fraud scheme, stealing equipment from a television news crew and threatening a federal judge. Members of the ultra-right-wing group do not recognize the authority of the U.S. government, refuse to pay taxes and hold white supremacist religious beliefs.
The last meeting
Duke's last negotiating session Tuesday morning was described as short and heated.
Duke and several FBI agents drove to the spot at the edge of the ranch where they have been holding talks, usually attended by four of the militants. This time, only Freemen leader Rodney Skurdal showed up.
Skurdal talked animatedly with Duke, standing and waving his arms. The FBI agents looked on, apparently taking no part. After 30 minutes Skurdal returned to the ranch and Duke drove away with the agents.
Soon afterwards, seven Freemen, several with rifles slung over their shoulders, were seen milling around on the ranch. Usually, most of the 20 people thought to be holed up on the ranch stay indoors or out of sight.
The FBI and Freemen leaders held face-to-face talks last Thursday for the first time since the standoff began. Since then, they have been meeting daily. The content of the talks has been kept secret.
On Saturday, Duke said a verbal agreement had been reached on a new proposal from the Freemen. But the FBI denied there was an agreement, and Duke later backed away from the comment.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Related stories:
- Armed Freemen leave farmhouse - May 21, 1996
- Progress reported in Freemen talks - May 20, 1996
- Freemen talks focus on children - May 20, 1996
- Ending Freemen standoff may be 'protracted process,' mediator says - May 19, 1996
- Negotiator says Freemen reach tentative pact - May 18, 1996
- Freemen, FBI hold two more sessions - May 18, 1996
- Freemen plan to meet again with FBI - May 17, 1996
- Colorado legislator joins Freemen talks - May 14, 1996
