The Washington Examiner reports that Randy Weaver, the man who was at the center of the infamous Ruby Ridge standoff, has died. He was 74-years-old. 

Weaver’s death was announced Thursday on Facebook by his daughter Sara Weaver.

“Love you always Dad….,” she wrote. “‘See ya next time I see ya’  January 3, 1948 – May 11, 2022 .”

The cause of Weaver’s death has not been revealed. But, other social media posts suggest that Weaver had been dealing with some kind of illness since at least April. At the time, the family had requested prayers for Randy.

A flashback

The Ruby Ridge standoff took place in Boundary County, Idaho, over an 11-day period in August of 1992.

Weaver, a survivalist, had come under investigation by the federal government following allegations from his neighbor that he had connections with white supremacist and anti-government groups. The government ended up charging Weaver for having illegally sold two sawed-off shotguns to an undercover representative of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

When the time came, Weaver attempted to avoid arrest by taking his family to a cabin that he had built in Ruby Ridge, but government authorities tracked him down. A shootout took place, which resulted in the deaths of Weaver’s 14-year-old son, Samuel Weaver, and Deputy Marshal William Degan. Weaver’s wife, Vicki, was also shot dead by a sniper while she was holding her and Randy’s baby.

The standoff went on for 11 days before Weaver surrendered.

The aftermath

Weaver ended up facing murder charges for the death of Degan, but he was acquitted by a jury. He was, though, convicted on two gun charges, which earned him an 18-month prison sentence. He served 16-months before being released on good behavior.

As for the federal agents who participated in the shootout, they were disciplined by the Department of Justice.

There was also a civil lawsuit that took place between Weaver and the federal government. In 1995, it ended in a settlement with Randy Weaver receiving $100,000 and each of his three daughters receiving $1 million.

Weaver is survived by his three daughters, Sara, Rachel, and Elisheba, as well as by his wife Linda Gross.