Spokane County sheriff criticizes Burns occupiers

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) _ The sheriff of Washington's Spokane County is continuing his criticism of an armed protest at an Oregon wildlife refuge.

Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich says the standoff at the Malheur Wildlife Refuge near Burns, Oregon, shows the danger of a growing segment of the population intent on using misinformation to turn others against the government.

The Spokesman-Review reports that Knezovich on Monday said the occupiers seek to overthrow the county and federal governments.

Knezovich says he has spoken with Harney County Sheriff David Ward about the situation at the refuge.

Knezovich says sympathizers have taken to social media to warp the narrative surrounding the protest and accused mainstream media of doing little to combat the falsehoods.