Colorado survivalist camp stockpiled with guns, ammunition and a 25-year supply of food activates its highest alert level in history amid fears upcoming election results could spark civil unrest
A Colorado survivalist camp has activated its highest alert level in history amid fears the upcoming presidential election results could spark widespread civil unrest.
Fortitude Ranch, located in the southern part of the state, is now in 'collapse' mode and is welcoming dozens of its members ahead of Election Day next Tuesday.
Members - who pay a minimum of $1000 per year for access to the doomsday camp - fear that riots, looting and even a civil war could break out, regardless of who wins the election.
'Civil war seems unlikely. You don't estimate the probability of something like that, but is it inconceivable? Absolutely not. The election could be a real trigger,' Fortitude Ranch's CEO, Drew Miller, told KDVR on Thursday.
Fortitude Ranch has activated its highest alert level in history amid fears the upcoming presidential election results could spark widespread civil unrest
Miller has spent years developing the military-style fortress, which is complete with bunkers and guard towers.
Weapons and ammunition are stockpiled at the property, as is 25 year supply of food and toilet paper.
There are also 'indoor gardens' for growing fresh herbs and vegetables, as well as surgical equipment and gowns, should any member need a life-saving procedure.
'There's enough stuff to do operations,' Miller told the news network as he took them on a tour of the property.
Despite the supplies inside the fortress, members are also encouraged to bring along their own firearms to fight off potential invaders.
Fortitude Ranch is now in 'collapse' mode, and plans to welcoming dozens of its members ahead of Election Day next Tuesday
Miller, who is a former Air Force officer and a Harvard graduate, is seen inside one of the ranch's bunkers
Fortitude Ranch has room for its 100-plus members inside its labyrinth of bunkers
Weapons and ammunition are stockpiled at the property, as is 25 years' worth of food and toilet paper
Despite the cache of weapons, members are encouraged to bring along their own firearms
Miller will not disclose the exact number of Fortitude Ranch members, but says there are upwards of 100 people who pay ongoing fees to belong to the survivalist camp.
One of the members spoke with KDVR on Thursday, saying she finds comfort in belonging to the organization.
'It's kind of like an insurance policy. You never hope to have to use it, but it's certainly nice to have when you do and it's really just about peace of mind,' Kiki Bandilla stated.
'It's just about being prepared for anything. I've always said we're better together than we are alone. We can leverage each other's expertise.'
Bandilla says she does not plan to join fellow members at the ranch in the lead-up to the election.
Members - who pay a minimum of $1000 per year for access to the doomsday camp - fear that riots, looting and even a civil war could break out, regardless of who wins the election
Miller says that while many of Fortitude Ranch's members are concerned about the what may happen in the coming days and weeks, there has been increased interest in the camp since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out.
The CEO, who is a former Air Force officer and a Harvard graduate, says his premises are fitted out should there be another pandemic in the future.
'That will be a pandemic nothing like COVID-19. It will shut everything down. It will kill hundreds of millions of people worldwide,' he proclaimed.
With Election Day set for next Tuesday, Miller says the country may come together and accept the results, however begrudgingly.
But Fortitude Ranch members shouldn't see their trip to the camp as a waste of time.
'If they show up and then bad things don’t happen, then hike, vacation and enjoy yourselves,' he stated.
The ranch also features above ground living and dining areas for members to relax in
Miller is seen leading a local news crew around the camp. Membership has spiked amid the coronavirus pandemic and increasing tension ahead of the Presidential Election
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