A federal manhunt for a former militia leader and survival expert who went on the run in Montana after a shootout with police continued into a third day Tuesday, KAJ-TV reported.
Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are searching for 47-year-old David Burgert after he allegedly fired at Missoula County Sheriff’s Department deputies Sunday following a vehicle pursuit in Lolo, western Montana. He then ran into the woods.
Authorities said Burgert, a former Marine, is considered to be armed and extremely dangerous.
Reports say he is the former leader of the Project 7 Militia Group, which allegedly plotted to assassinate local officials as part of a revolution to overthrow the federal government.
He has previously served a federal prison term on weapons charges related to an armed standoff with police, and was released in March 2010.
Authorities searching for Burgert on Monday said they found stockpiles of food, camping gear and ammunition inside abandoned vehicles, according to the Missoulian.
He was last seen armed with a handgun and may also have a rifle.
Missoula County Undersheriff Mike Dominick said Burgert holds strongly anti-government views, appears to have wilderness survival skills, and was eager to get into a confrontation with government officials.
“He has that type of mentality where he believes in training, in preparation,” he said. “This guy seems to have had a plan.”
NYP
