JUSTICE TO PROBE FARM SHOOTINGS

VANDALIA (AP) -- The Justice Department will investigate the fatal
shootings of two men by authorities during a five-day standoff at a
campground for marijuana advocates.

An FBI agent shot Rainbow Farm owner Tom Crosslin on Monday after
authorities say he pointed a gun at the agent, one of a number of
law-enforcement officers surrounding the campground.

Police said Crosslin's roommate, Rolland Rohm, was shot Tuesday as he left
a burning building on the property and aimed a gun at a state police
officer. Authorities have not said who fired the fatal shot at Rohm.

The federal review is focusing on a second shot allegedly fired at Crosslin
by an FBI special agent, said Mark Courtade, head of the criminal division
of the U.S attorney's office in Grand Rapids. The agent was questioned by
FBI officials, The Detroit News reported Wednesday.

The bureau withheld the names of agents involved in the shootings, but said
the agents will continue working during the review.

The Rainbow Farm standoff started Friday after Crosslin missed a bond
hearing and was reported to be burning buildings at the campground, which
is the target of civil forfeiture proceedings.

Rainbow Farm hosted two annual pro-marijuana festivals called HempAid and
RoachRoast, according to its Web site.

A court order issued in June prohibited Crosslin from having festivals at
the farm. Police allege he violated the order by holding a gathering Aug.
17-18, which prompted a bond hearing that was scheduled for Friday.
Crosslin was charged with felony possession of a firearm, growing marijuana
and maintaining a drug house.

Michigan State Police Lt. Mike Risko has defended the shootings, and said
Rohm was repeatedly ordered to put down his gun.

"Both subjects pointed firearms at officers, and I don't know what else you
would have officers do," Risko said.