‘To LEO agencies…you have just openly declared war.’
Demonstrators at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation were met with brutal and unnecessary force from law enforcement as Sunday turned into Monday, as users on social media captured the carnage first-hand. Armed with nothing but passion and placards, those protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) were confronted by a well-equipped force when they attempted to remove a roadblock.
The most disturbing imagery comes from a Facebook user called Remi Graber, who shared graphic imagery of severe wounds suffered by her friend:
Users on twitter shared equally intimidating and imposing photos from the clash:
Let’s be clear: the acts of brutality by ND police against Peaceful Protectors are acts of utter COWARDICE.
— Josh Fox (@joshfoxfilm) November 21, 2016
Pepper sprayed, tear gassed, hosed down, shot with rubber bullets… solidarity with the #NoDAPL water protectors.
— Tim Bednar (@TheMightyBednar) November 21, 2016
— ABC News (@ABC) November 12, 2016
According to NBC News, the issue of the roadblock is one of a broken promise:
Protestors say that the clashes began when they tried to remove a roadblock on a bridge north of their Oceti Sakowin “Water Protector” Camp. The roadblock, composed in part of burned-out trucks, has blocked the main route to the city of Bismarck since late October.
“The negotiation from law enforcement stated that they were going to remove them for their emergency services to get through … to Bismarck. It’s been 2.5 weeks, maybe 3, and they still haven’t kept their word on that,” said E’sha Hoferer,who live-streamed the clashes on Facebook.
Black Elk said the roadblock was an inconvenience and posed a risk for emergency personnel trying to access the protest camp.
