Dakota Pipeline Protest: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Requests Help From Sheriff’s Department

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are requesting help from the Morton County Sheriff’s Department to remove Dakota Access Pipeline protesters who they say are occupying their land. According to the Sheriff’s Department, USACE assist them in "removing any trespassers who enter Corps land to the north of the main camp area."

Law enforcement witnessed protesters building an illegal, man-made, wooden bridge across the Cantapeta Creek, according to a news release.

A statement from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gave Morton County law enforcement "permission to go
onto USACE land to prevent further campsites from developing and threatening public safety."

“Receiving permission and precise guidance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was uplifting today. This
simple message gave a clear cut order to execute a plan to remove unlawful actors and prevent further
unlawful actions,” said Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier in a statement.

“Eighty five days into the protests, we look forward to other federal government agencies following the Corps’ spirit of providing support and assistance to law enforcement.”

Law enforcement arrested one individual who was aiding in illegal activity by purchasing canoes and kayaks to be used for crossing the waterway, according to police. He was arrested for conspiracy to commit obstruction of a government function.

Authorities say they used less-than-lethal ammunition to control the situation. In one incident, police say a male was throwing bottles at officers on the police line. A second incident occurred when a man wearing a gas mask, refused to show his hands, refused to disperse and charged the police line. Officers also deployed
pepper spray and tear gas to disperse the group of protesters who came across the water and camp at
officers. No lethal shots were fired from law enforcement, according to authorities.

The FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) are following up on a report of an individual being hog-tied and detained by “camp security” and being brought to the BIA checkpoint. There were also reports of gunfire in the camp, BIA responded and is investigating that report as well.

“In my 27 years in law enforcement, I have never seen such an absolute disregard for the law, or other
people’s rights because of someone else’s ideology. The idea that because you have a strong opinion about
something means you can threaten, harass and intimidate other American citizens is just plain wrong. I took
an oath to protect the first amendment, but I also took an oath to protect citizens from this continual
harassment and intimidation,” said Cass County Sheriff Paul Laney in a statement.

Image via Morton County Sheriff’s Department