LaVoy Finicum, the Oregon militia spokesperson killed by law enforcement officers on Tuesday afternoon, was shot because he reached for his pocket containing a handgun, according to the FBI.
On Thursday evening, the FBI released aerial footage of the shooting.
It shows a white truck, allegedly driven by Mr Finicum, getting stuck in the snow after narrowly avoiding a police blockade.
Finicum exits the vehicle, initially with his hands in the air; before dropping them and it is at this moment he is shot by officers.
FBI special agent, Greg Bretzing, has said the militia spokesperson refused to follow police orders.
“Finicum reaches his right hand toward a pocket on the left inside portion of his jacket. He did have a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun in that pocket. At this time, OSP troopers shot Finicum.”
Mr Bretzing also said the footage was released unedited to dispel any claims about the shooting: “We feel it is necessary to show the whole thing unedited in the interest of transparency.”
The vehicle also contained other militiamen, including leader Ammon Bundy, who have now been arrested and charged with felony offences.
A statement read by Bundy’s lawyer on Wednesday warned the remaining militia: “Please stand down. Go home and hug your families. This fight is ours for now, in the courts.”
