BLM ends roundup of Bundy cattle

LAS VEGAS -- A deal has been reached between the Bundy family and the Bureau of Land Management over the cattle that the agency rounded up earlier this week.

After some tense moments Saturday afternoon, the BLM agreed to release the confiscated animals back to the family.

The BLM announced it would stop the roundup of cattle owned by rancher Cliven Bundy Saturday morning. The BLM says the animals have been illegally grazing on public lands for 20 years and has spent the past week gathering the cattle from land near Gold Butte.

The agency said it was stopping the roundup because of concerns about the safety of its employees and the public. Earlier this week, BLM officers and supporters of the Bundy family were involved in a scuffle. Cliven Bundy's son, Ammon Bundy, was tased twice by federal agents. Another woman said she was thrown to the ground by an officer.

With more Bundy supporters pouring in from around the country, safety concerns began to grow. 

The I-Team has learned the deal to end the gather was brokered by Clark County Sheriff Doug Gillespie. 

According to sources, the BLM wants to proceed with the sale of the cattle already gathered during the roundup but is reportedly willing to share the revenue from the sale with Bundy.

Sheriff Gillespie has been negotiating with Bundy behind the scenes for months reached a tentative agreement Friday night, though Bundy insisted the sheriff come to his ranch to finalize the arrangement face-to-face.

The two men meet Saturday to discuss the agreement prior to a public announcement.

In its statement, the BLM said its actions this past week were progress in enforcing two court orders to remove the trespassing cattle from public land.

The agency director also asked that everyone involved in the dispute remain peaceful and law-abiding.

8 News NOW is following this developing story and will update it online as more information becomes available. 8 News NOW has a news crew in Bunkerville who will have a live report at 6 p.m.