BUNKERVILLE STANDOFF:  MISTRIAL DECLARED IN THIRD TRIAL, NEW TRIAL DATE FEB. 26TH  

US District Judge Gloria M. Navarro decided on a mistrial in the third Bunkerville Standoff trial today, citing extensive withholding of exculpatory evidence in the case.

She wants written arguments from the prosecution and defense on whether she should declare  the mistrial with prejudice or without, setting a December 29th deadline for written arguments.

A "with prejudice" declaration by the judge would mean the charges are dropped.

Ryan Bundy asked for release of his father Cliven Bundy and removal of GPS monitoring in light of the government's misconduct.

Cliven Bundy's lawyer, Bret Whipple, filed an emergency motion calling for Bundy's release under those conditions this afternoon.

There was an overflow crowd at the courtroom into the hallway.   Protesters supporting the defendants were outside the courthouse.  Also outside, environmentalists opposing the defendants using a bullhorn to amplify their protest.   One observer called them "George Soros paid"......

Coming up on January 8th is a hearing where Judge Navarro is expected to decide whether there is a mistrial with prejudice, meaning the charges are out or she will make it a mistrial allowing a new trial on February 26th.

(UPDATED LATE WENDESDAY, EARLY THURSDAY, NEXT POST LATER TODAY)