Ammon Bundy and his armed followers made ample use of social media while occupying an Oregon wildlife refuge, and federal officials are using those posts, videos and photos to build the case against them.
Two criminal complaints show that federal authorities have carefully scrutinized the group's social media postings and video interviews.
A day after the Jan. 2 occupation began, Bundy posted a video saying the group planned to stay for several years and calling on "people to come out here and stand" and "we need you to bring your arms."
Another defendant, Jon Ritzheimer, posted a video Jan. 4 saying he was "100 percent willing to lay my life down."
Bundy and other main figures in the standoff face their second court appearance Friday. A total of 11 people have been charged.
Four holdouts are still occupying Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.