Extreme Emergency Cell Phone Alert Issued For Anti-Bakken Dakota Access Pipeline Prayer Action

Public officials in North Dakota issued an extreme emergency cell phone alert in response to anti-Bakken Dakota Access Pipeline Water Protector non-violent direct actions.

The alert, which went out at approximately 11:30 am local time, read:

“Emergency alert

PROTEST ACTIVITY NEAR ST

ANTHONY AND TO THE SE

PLEASE AVOID OFFICERS ARE

ACTIVE IN AREA

Type: Extreme Alert”

The emergency alert was issued in response to three simultaneous actions performed by Water Protectors; neither action resulted in violence. Water Protectors are a Native American led group dedicated to stopping the pipeline construction.

In the first action, a caravan of Water Protectors attempted to reach a Bakken Dakota Access Pipeline site but were stopped by police. They exited their cars and walked for approximately three miles before reaching a line of approximately 80-100 police in riot gear, halting their advance to the construction site. The Water Protectors addressed the police by praying and singing. Police ordered them turned around. No arrests were made.

In the second action, a caravan of Water Protectors was stopped by police. The group got out of their cars, performed several prayers, and then left on their own. A small group of about a half a dozen Water Protectors stayed behind and prayed. They were ordered to leave by police. No arrests were made.

In the third action, a caravan of Water Protectors was stopped by a police road block approximately one mile from a pipeline construction site. The Protectors exited their vehicles and approached the police line. They sang, drummed, and prayed. Police ordered Water Protectors to get out of the road. The Protectors complied. Police told them that if they did not disperse, they would be arrested. Ten people were arrested.

Water Protectors continue their efforts to stop the completion of the Bakken Dakota Access Pipeline, which goes under the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers and over the Ogallala Aquifer. Water Protectors have taken up camp just inside and outside of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation near Cannon Ball, N.D. The Missouri is a vital water source for approximately 14 million people, including serving as Standing Rock Reservation’s primary source of drinking water.

Over 100 Water Protectors, journalists, and legal observers have been arrested in recent weeks on several actions; charges range from inciting a riot to trespass. Journalist Amy Goodman from Democracy Now! has been charged with inciting a riot for her coverage private security dogs attacking Water Protectors.

Morton County Sheriff’s resources are strained by their militarized response style to Water Protector actions. In order to service the para-military style, Morton County must call on outside law enforcement agencies for backup. North Dakota police departments present include North Dakota Fish and Game, Grand Forks Police Department, Stark County, North Dakota State Parks, Williams County, and Minot Police Department. Dane and Marathon Counties in Wisconsin, and Quinn County, S.D., were also present. The National Guard was also present at one protest. More departments may have been present.