The security detail for presidential candidate Donald Trump is expected to apologize to Oregon standoff defendant Darryl W. Thorn for carrying him out of a May 7 rally in Spokane, his defense lawyer, Laurie Shertz, informed the court Tuesday.

"It turns out they were making a mountain out of a molehill," U.S. District Judge Robert E. Jones told Thorn, who listened on a speaker phone for the brief hearing. "All you were saying was 'Save the Ranchers.' ''

In early May, Thorn was released from custody on pretrial supervision, allowed to live and work in Spokane pending trial on federal conspiracy and weapons charges stemming from the armed takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Harney County.

Thorn had attended a Donald Trump rally at the Spokane Convention Center on May 7 and was escorted out. A YouTube video showed two security guards carrying him out of the rally, but it was unclear what prompted his removal. Later, Thorn was interviewed and said he attended the rally to "bring awareness to my brothers who are incarcerated'' in Oregon or Nevada.

On Tuesday, the judge told Thorn that he had great concerns about the incident initially, but now is pleased to hear Thorn hadn't done anything inappropriate.

The judge advised Thorn to focus on work, return to his residence and stay away from rallies or protests, "frankly for your own good.''

"You understand?'' Jones asked.

"Yes your honor,'' Thorn said. "I apologize.''

-- Maxine Bernstein

mbernstein@oregonian.com

503-221-8212

@maxoregonian