Nine people were arrested at the Oceti Sakowin camp today, as the deadline passed to leave the area. The 2 p.m. deadline was set by North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, citing concerns of spring flooding.
Those opposed to the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) have been split over tactics. The Standing Rock Nation has asked people to leave the camp while it pursues justice in the courts; others were determined to stay in the camp.
CNN’s story headlined Nine arrested at Dakota Access Pipeline protest site, updated at 8:15 p.m. said: “about 50 to 75 protesters remained in the camp. It is unclear how and when those protesters will be removed. ”
The Bismarck Tribune’s story, Law enforcement arrests nine for trespassing, reported that cleanup was scheduled for Thursday morning. “When police move in, they will be clearing all remaining buildings looking for evidence of criminal activity or weapons before the structures are removed,” the story said.
Media outlets also are reporting on structure fires set by protestors, who called the acts “ceremonial.” Two children suffered burns, according to Valley News. The news site posted video of the fires, criticized protestors for the environmental damage, and highlighted efforts to get the Trump administration to provide law enforcement support.
