President Donald Trump has fully pardoned two Oregon cattle ranchers who were found guilty of "using fire to destroy federal property."
In 2012, Dwight Hammond Jr. and his son Steven were convicted of setting fires on their land that spread to federal land.
The pair were originally given sentences far below the five-year mandatory minimum for arson. But after they had served their shorter sentences, they were ordered back to prison to serve out the full five years. The White House said their sentencing was unjust.
News outlets report the Hammonds' case sparked the armed takeover of an Oregon wildlife refuge that lasted 40 days, cost the government about $6 million and led to one death in 2016. Those involved protested federal land ownership and management.
The Hammonds reportedly distanced themselves from the event.
The White House statement said that "justice is overdue" for the Hammonds, who are "entirely deserving" of the full pardons.
