The Federal Bureau of Investigation is looking into whether militants at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge have accessed government computers during their occupation.
OPB observed militants interacting with computers in the compound that can only be accessed with employee ID badges. The armed men also appear to have gone through materials in an office building used by federal employees.
This comes as militants rejected leaving the facility Friday, which they’ve occupied illegally since Jan. 2.
The computers are in a room of cubicles near the main compound. LaVoy Finicum, a member of the occupying group’s security team, accidentally led OPB into the area.
Along with possibly accessing the computers, militants at the compound are using government vehicles and equipment to operate and fortify defenses.
When reached Friday, FBI spokeswoman Beth Anne Steele declined to officially comment on any activity ongoing at the refuge.
However, law enforcement officials are concerned refuge employees could potentially be harmed by members of the group. Prior to the occupation, federal employees and family members of local law enforcement had received anonymous threats.
Harney County Sheriff David Ward said at a community meeting Wednesday that his deputies and own family members had been followed home, photographed, and had personal property damaged in recent months.
In an interview Friday, Ward said he was concerned about the welfare of the employees who work at the refuge. However, he said he hasn’t confirmed militants have indeed accessed any personnel data.
"With what information we do have, we're doing everything we can to make sure we keep our citizens and those employees safe," Ward said.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service spokesman Jason Holm also declined to confirm whether the computers had been used. But he did say the agency has taken a full inventory of what was left inside the refuge before the militants seized it.
“We are cognizant that the individuals in the refuge would have access to files, and things like refuge equipment,” Holm said. “We’re working with the FBI to mitigate any risk (to employees).”
There are 16 full-time and one part-time employee who work at the refuge, according to Holm.
“We are taking all appropriate security precautions,” Holm said when asked about employee safety.
Reporters Ryan Haas and Conrad Wilson contributed to this report.
Copyright 2016 Oregon Public Broadcasting