FORT DAVIS - A tense standoff between police and armed Texas separatists holed up in a mountain compound appeared to be nearing a peaceful end last night, authorities said.
But even as police expressed optimism, they put added pressure on the Republic of Texas group by bringing in a pair of armoured personnel carriers to complement elite SWAT (special weapons and tactics) teams already in place.
Texas Department of Public Safety spokesman Mike Cox told reporters that telephone negotiations to end the standoff were going well.
"We're optimistic there's going to be a peaceful outcome to all this," he said.
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Mr Terence O'Rourke, attorney for Republic leader Richard McLaren, agreed, saying. "We could wrap this up today."