Rancher's supporters expected at hearing in standoff case

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Backers of a Nevada rancher at the center of a fight over control of public lands in the West are promising a show of support outside a courthouse where he's facing charges that he led an armed standoff against federal agents two years ago.

Nevada allows open-carrying of guns, and Las Vegas police and U.S. marshals said they expect some protesters will be armed, but will remain peaceful.

Charges in the case to be tried in Las Vegas include conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, assaulting and threatening a federal officer, obstruction, interference with interstate commerce by extortion and several firearms charges.