11-2 Morton Release On Standoff

MORTON COUNTY
SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT
Kyle L. Kirchmeier, Sheriff
News Release
For Immediate Release
November 2, 2016
Contact: Morton County PIO (701) 426-1587 or (701) 595-3596
Morton website: http://www.co.morton.nd.us/
Pictures & Videos from 11-2 incident linked here: https://drive.google.com/open?
id=0BzEKNLJqG3cwVG1BU0tURGpiMHM
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gives Permission to Local Law Enforcement

to Remove Illegal Bridge & Trespassers
Mandan, N.D. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requested the Morton County Sheriffs
Department to 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. This is located east of 1806 and
the Backwater Bridge at the confluence of the Cannonball River. Protesters involved in
building the bridge violated numerous federal and state laws including the Clean Water
Act and the Safe River and Harbors Act.
Law enforcement responded to the shoreline on the north side of the creek. Officers
ordered protesters to remove themselves from the bridge and notified them that if they
crossed the bridge they would be arrested for trespassing. This order was repeated
several times.
Law enforcement with boats were able to pull the make-shift bridge apart. Numerous
protesters continued to ignore officers commands and crossed the river by swimming,
using boats, canoes and kayaks. The stand-off with officers concluded shortly before
2:00 p.m. when protesters retreated and returned to the main camp area.
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. Eighty five days into the protests, we look forward to other federal
205 First Avenue NW Mandan, ND 58554

Phone (701) 667-3330 Fax (701) 667-3463
Corrections Phone (701) 667-3318 Fax (701) 667-3216
MORTON COUNTY
SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT
Kyle L. Kirchmeier, Sheriff
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. He was arrested for conspiracy
to commit obstruction of a government function.
Authorities used less-than-lethal ammunition to control the situation. In one incident a
male was at a boat and 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.
The FBI and 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 peoples rights because of someone elses 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.
The Morton County Sheriffs Department will release more information as it becomes
available.
###
205 First Avenue NW Mandan, ND 58554

Phone (701) 667-3330 Fax (701) 667-3463
Corrections Phone (701) 667-3318 Fax (701) 667-3216

11-2 Morton Release On Standoff

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MORTON COUNTY

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gives Permission to Local Law Enforcement

205 First Avenue NW Mandan, ND 58554

205 First Avenue NW Mandan, ND 58554

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