Militants in eastern Oregon are getting little sympathy from Oregon lawmakers.

Republican state Representative Bill Post said he's behind the ranchers who were convicted of setting fire to federal ranchlands. But he said he doesn't support the actions of the armed group that is now occupying a complex of federal buildings near Burns.

"I think there's an element of them that are literally looking for something for happen, kind of hoping something will happen,” Post said. “Like there is in any group, there's always that one percent that's not really right. They're there for other reasons. And I think there's some of those guys involved in this."

Republican Congressman Greg Walden, whose district includes the wildlife refuge where the occupation is taking place, said the situation is very troubling and that it's likely that no one would emerge a winner.

Democratic U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said the action is being led by outsiders who are taking the law into their own hands.

Visit OPB News for the latest news and updates about the armed occupation at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Harney County, Oregon.

Copyright 2016 Northwest News Network