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North Dakota pipeline: police arrest protesters as standoff continues – live North Dakota pipeline: police arrest protesters as standoff continues – live
(35 minutes later)
9.50pm BST
21:50
Police: 'You are going to get pepper sprayed'
Tensions are escalating at the standoff between police and protesters at the Dakota access pipeline. Video feed from Atsa E’sha Hoferer, one of the Facebook live streams with the most viewers today, just captured police making a number of threats to activists if they don’t back down and return to a camp further away. An officer said:
You are going to get pepper sprayed if you are on top of the pickup ... Do not approach officers. You will be arrested ... We are not coming down there. We are not coming to your main camp. You can send a liaison.
Hoferer said on the stream:
They are surrounding us now ... They have their batons out ready to hurt us.
#NoDAPL prayer circle refuses to move, cops saying group "by the pickup" will be arrested if they do not move https://t.co/caEhSPIdSO pic.twitter.com/fKQcppr8Q3
9.33pm BST
21:33
Are you protesting the Dakota Access pipeline? Share your photos and stories
Harry Slater
In early September, activists opposing the $3.8bn oil pipeline held solidarity protests in more than 100 cities across the US and around the world. People gathered at rallies in New York City, Los Angeles and London to support the Standing Rock Sioux.
We asked you to share your photos of demonstrations via GuardianWitness. Esperanza Gutierrez captured scenes in San Diego. You can see more contributions and submit your own.
Updated
at 9.40pm BST
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21:1521:15
Police make arrestsPolice make arrests
Authorities closing in on the Dakota access pipeline protesters have begun making arrests, a spokeswoman for the local sheriff just told the Guardian.Authorities closing in on the Dakota access pipeline protesters have begun making arrests, a spokeswoman for the local sheriff just told the Guardian.
BREAKING: Authorities begin arresting protesters at camp on private land in the path of Dakota Access pipeline.BREAKING: Authorities begin arresting protesters at camp on private land in the path of Dakota Access pipeline.
“They’re pushing us off of this land. But we’re not budging,” Atsa E’sha Hoferer said on a Facebook live-stream, capturing the commotion of loud helicopters and sirens in the background. “Everybody ... needs to get here now. We need you here today.”“They’re pushing us off of this land. But we’re not budging,” Atsa E’sha Hoferer said on a Facebook live-stream, capturing the commotion of loud helicopters and sirens in the background. “Everybody ... needs to get here now. We need you here today.”
The spokeswoman said she was not immediately able to confirm how many arrests have taken place.The spokeswoman said she was not immediately able to confirm how many arrests have taken place.
The AP also just reported that officers are now converging on the camp from two directions, threatening arrest on loudspeakers. Some activists are defying commands and others are taking part in prayer circles.The AP also just reported that officers are now converging on the camp from two directions, threatening arrest on loudspeakers. Some activists are defying commands and others are taking part in prayer circles.
9.12pm BST9.12pm BST
21:1221:12
Standing Rock youth protest Hillary ClintonStanding Rock youth protest Hillary Clinton
Standing Rock youth have traveled to New York for a protest at the Brooklyn headquarters of presidential candidate Hillary Clinton – on the same day that police in North Dakota have closed in on the oil pipeline demonstrators, launching a tense standoff that has dragged on for hours.Standing Rock youth have traveled to New York for a protest at the Brooklyn headquarters of presidential candidate Hillary Clinton – on the same day that police in North Dakota have closed in on the oil pipeline demonstrators, launching a tense standoff that has dragged on for hours.
Young activists from Oceti Sakowin, the Seven Council Fires and the Standing Rock Sioux Nation demanded that the Democratic candidate speak out against the Dakota access pipeline, according to Greenpeace, which helped coordinate the action.Young activists from Oceti Sakowin, the Seven Council Fires and the Standing Rock Sioux Nation demanded that the Democratic candidate speak out against the Dakota access pipeline, according to Greenpeace, which helped coordinate the action.
As police in ND seem poised to raid #NoDAPL camp, Standing Rock youth flood Clinton campaign HQ to demand she oppose Dakota Access pipeline pic.twitter.com/4ixgjiuGpkAs police in ND seem poised to raid #NoDAPL camp, Standing Rock youth flood Clinton campaign HQ to demand she oppose Dakota Access pipeline pic.twitter.com/4ixgjiuGpk
The youth leaders also released a letter to Clinton, writing:The youth leaders also released a letter to Clinton, writing:
Now is the time to prove your commitment to both strong climate action and Indigenous sovereignty. Silence is not acceptable.Now is the time to prove your commitment to both strong climate action and Indigenous sovereignty. Silence is not acceptable.
William Brownotter, 16, added in a statement, “By refusing to stand against DAPL, Hillary is putting our environment, wildlife, culture, and land at risk.”William Brownotter, 16, added in a statement, “By refusing to stand against DAPL, Hillary is putting our environment, wildlife, culture, and land at risk.”
8.53pm BST8.53pm BST
20:5320:53
Reports are coming in that police are deploying a sonic weapon called a Long Range Acoustic Device, or LRAD.Reports are coming in that police are deploying a sonic weapon called a Long Range Acoustic Device, or LRAD.
This is a picture of the device taken on the scene, which appears to show an LRAD 500X mounted on top of the black vehicle:This is a picture of the device taken on the scene, which appears to show an LRAD 500X mounted on top of the black vehicle:
#DAPL gets laid while militarized police forces use LRAD sound cannon & massive lines of riot police to clear new #OcetiSakowin camp #NoDAPL pic.twitter.com/ZXnLPkjMUR#DAPL gets laid while militarized police forces use LRAD sound cannon & massive lines of riot police to clear new #OcetiSakowin camp #NoDAPL pic.twitter.com/ZXnLPkjMUR
The LRAD was designed as a messaging device to project sound over long distances, but they are also sometimes used for crowd control.The LRAD was designed as a messaging device to project sound over long distances, but they are also sometimes used for crowd control.
According the the manufacturers’ website:According the the manufacturers’ website:
LRAD fills the critical gap between the poor voice quality and limited broadcast range inherent in bullhorns and vehicle PA systems, and kinetic measures including water cannons, tear gas projectiles, rubber bullets, pepper balls, Tasers and flash bang grenades.LRAD fills the critical gap between the poor voice quality and limited broadcast range inherent in bullhorns and vehicle PA systems, and kinetic measures including water cannons, tear gas projectiles, rubber bullets, pepper balls, Tasers and flash bang grenades.
Also known as “sonic weapons”, LRADS are sometimes fitted to ships to repel attacks by pirates, but they are most often used by police.Also known as “sonic weapons”, LRADS are sometimes fitted to ships to repel attacks by pirates, but they are most often used by police.
LRADS were deployed during the clearances of Occupy protests in Oakland in 2011, and during the protests following the killing of Michael Brown by police in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014, and the protests following the killing of Eric Garner by police in Staten Island, New York, the same year.LRADS were deployed during the clearances of Occupy protests in Oakland in 2011, and during the protests following the killing of Michael Brown by police in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014, and the protests following the killing of Eric Garner by police in Staten Island, New York, the same year.
While the LRAD is designed to be non-lethal, at medium range it can cause extreme pain and at 15 meters or less it can cause permanent eardrum damage.While the LRAD is designed to be non-lethal, at medium range it can cause extreme pain and at 15 meters or less it can cause permanent eardrum damage.
UpdatedUpdated
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8.35pm BST8.35pm BST
20:3520:35
The Morton County sheriff’s office has released some fresh images from the ongoing standoff:The Morton County sheriff’s office has released some fresh images from the ongoing standoff:
Morton County sheriff releases aerial photos of #NoDAPL standoff: pic.twitter.com/N51Q1MqPo8Morton County sheriff releases aerial photos of #NoDAPL standoff: pic.twitter.com/N51Q1MqPo8
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How we got hereHow we got here
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.25pm BSTat 8.25pm BST
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On the live Facebook feed of Atsa E’sha Hoferer, an officer just shouted: “You will be arrested. You have to come down now.”On the live Facebook feed of Atsa E’sha Hoferer, an officer just shouted: “You will be arrested. You have to come down now.”
The protester’s footage shows police are lined up and have large military-style vehicles. The Associated Press reports that the operation involves dozens of officers in riot gear, some armed, and that police have brought out trucks, police cars, military Humvees and buses. Law enforcement are also using at least two helicopters and a fixed-wing airplane to monitor the demonstration.The protester’s footage shows police are lined up and have large military-style vehicles. The Associated Press reports that the operation involves dozens of officers in riot gear, some armed, and that police have brought out trucks, police cars, military Humvees and buses. Law enforcement are also using at least two helicopters and a fixed-wing airplane to monitor the demonstration.
“We’re here to make sure this water is protected at all times,” Hoferer shouted on the live-stream, telling thousands of viewers, “If this is law enforcement from your county, tell them to go home. They are protecting the corporate greed here.”“We’re here to make sure this water is protected at all times,” Hoferer shouted on the live-stream, telling thousands of viewers, “If this is law enforcement from your county, tell them to go home. They are protecting the corporate greed here.”
"The world is watching" People repeat to police on #StandingRock barricade iine. #NoDAPL #northdakota pic.twitter.com/2HFeUnVDOh"The world is watching" People repeat to police on #StandingRock barricade iine. #NoDAPL #northdakota pic.twitter.com/2HFeUnVDOh
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.32pm BSTat 8.32pm BST
8.11pm BST8.11pm BST
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A spokesperson for the Morton County sheriff’s department, who are the lead agency on the ground, just told the Guardian that they have officers on the scene from “across the state” and that they have put out a request for assistance from out-of-state police departments.A spokesperson for the Morton County sheriff’s department, who are the lead agency on the ground, just told the Guardian that they have officers on the scene from “across the state” and that they have put out a request for assistance from out-of-state police departments.
She also said that there were national guard on the scene but added that “they are in a support role”.She also said that there were national guard on the scene but added that “they are in a support role”.
Asked if any other agencies - local, state, or federal - were currently taking an active role, she declined to comment.Asked if any other agencies - local, state, or federal - were currently taking an active role, she declined to comment.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.37pm BSTat 8.37pm BST
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19:5719:57
Standing Rock member: 'We are standing up'Standing Rock member: 'We are standing up'
Sam LevinSam Levin
Dean Dedman Jr, a member of the Standing Rock Hunkpapa tribe from South Dakota, just told the Guardian by phone that protesters are not backing down even in the face of hundreds of armed police officers.Dean Dedman Jr, a member of the Standing Rock Hunkpapa tribe from South Dakota, just told the Guardian by phone that protesters are not backing down even in the face of hundreds of armed police officers.
“We are standing up. We are still here,” said Dedman, who has been camped out for months and frequently shoots footage of the actions with his drone. “We’re all just trying to keep the prayer and keep the singing.”“We are standing up. We are still here,” said Dedman, who has been camped out for months and frequently shoots footage of the actions with his drone. “We’re all just trying to keep the prayer and keep the singing.”
Dedman, who has also contributed video footage for the Guardian, said that a creek was providing some kind of a buffer for protesters but that officers were armed and getting closer. “They keep coming up.”Dedman, who has also contributed video footage for the Guardian, said that a creek was providing some kind of a buffer for protesters but that officers were armed and getting closer. “They keep coming up.”
Dedman said the protesters suspect that police could soon attempt to make more arrests but added, “We’ve been prepared for all these months and all these years.”Dedman said the protesters suspect that police could soon attempt to make more arrests but added, “We’ve been prepared for all these months and all these years.”
Here’s a Guardian video from Dedman and other film-makers on site from the summer:Here’s a Guardian video from Dedman and other film-makers on site from the summer:
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.17pm BSTat 8.17pm BST
7.41pm BST7.41pm BST
19:4119:41
Sheriff: 'This is a public safety issue'Sheriff: 'This is a public safety issue'
Morton County sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier has released a statement claiming that authorities are targeting “illegal roadblocks and protesters trespassing on private property”:Morton County sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier has released a statement claiming that authorities are targeting “illegal roadblocks and protesters trespassing on private property”:
Protesters’ escalated unlawful behavior this weekend by setting up illegal roadblocks, trespassing onto private property and establishing an encampment, has forced law enforcement to respond at this time. As I said yesterday, I visited the protesters roadblock and requested them to remove the barricade and have protesters vacate the private property.Protesters’ escalated unlawful behavior this weekend by setting up illegal roadblocks, trespassing onto private property and establishing an encampment, has forced law enforcement to respond at this time. As I said yesterday, I visited the protesters roadblock and requested them to remove the barricade and have protesters vacate the private property.
Kirchmeier claims that “numerous teepees, tents and other structures have been built on the private property since Sunday”.Kirchmeier claims that “numerous teepees, tents and other structures have been built on the private property since Sunday”.
Law enforcement from across North Dakota and from outside of the state are now supporting Morton County “in this mission”, he added.Law enforcement from across North Dakota and from outside of the state are now supporting Morton County “in this mission”, he added.
On one live feed, a police official just said: “You need to back away. We’re going to come forward. We don’t want to arrest any one of you.”On one live feed, a police official just said: “You need to back away. We’re going to come forward. We don’t want to arrest any one of you.”
Tribal leaders and protesters have repeatedly emphasized that they are unarmed and peaceful and plan to stand their ground in an effort to stop a project that they believe could cause significant environmental damage to the local lands.Tribal leaders and protesters have repeatedly emphasized that they are unarmed and peaceful and plan to stand their ground in an effort to stop a project that they believe could cause significant environmental damage to the local lands.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.16pm BSTat 8.16pm BST
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Here are some fresh tweets and images from the scene where protesters have tried to set up barricades as law enforcement gets closer to the camps.Here are some fresh tweets and images from the scene where protesters have tried to set up barricades as law enforcement gets closer to the camps.
Flaming barricades as armored vehicles advance #NoDAPL pic.twitter.com/hYuOteXYkMFlaming barricades as armored vehicles advance #NoDAPL pic.twitter.com/hYuOteXYkM
Spoke to @dennisward moments ago. Here are his pics of police moving in on protestors at #standingrock #NoDAPL @APTNNews pic.twitter.com/ttFCYgwm8QSpoke to @dennisward moments ago. Here are his pics of police moving in on protestors at #standingrock #NoDAPL @APTNNews pic.twitter.com/ttFCYgwm8Q
pic.twitter.com/OnKKXqAO7gpic.twitter.com/OnKKXqAO7g
Film-makers and activists recently told the Guardian that law enforcement’s response has become over-militarized and aggressive, with police deploying batons and pepper spray against peaceful protesters and indiscriminately arresting demonstrators and journalists.Film-makers and activists recently told the Guardian that law enforcement’s response has become over-militarized and aggressive, with police deploying batons and pepper spray against peaceful protesters and indiscriminately arresting demonstrators and journalists.
Local authorities have claimed that the protesters are dangerous and engaged in riots on private land.Local authorities have claimed that the protesters are dangerous and engaged in riots on private land.
7.35pm BST7.35pm BST
19:3519:35
Police close in on protestersPolice close in on protesters
Welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of the increasingly tense protests of the Dakota Access pipeline, where police have announced that they are closing in on the Standing Rock Sioux tribe activists and their supporters.Welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of the increasingly tense protests of the Dakota Access pipeline, where police have announced that they are closing in on the Standing Rock Sioux tribe activists and their supporters.
Police officials just announced that they plan to “take necessary steps to move trespassers from private property”, and reports and live video feeds from Cannon Ball, North Dakota, reveal a volatile standoff between activists opposing construction of the $3.7bn oil pipeline and police who have accused the demonstrators of criminal activity.Police officials just announced that they plan to “take necessary steps to move trespassers from private property”, and reports and live video feeds from Cannon Ball, North Dakota, reveal a volatile standoff between activists opposing construction of the $3.7bn oil pipeline and police who have accused the demonstrators of criminal activity.
The tribe and Native American advocates from across the US have for months camped out at the site in an effort to block a planned oil pipeline, which is operated by Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners and on track to transport fracked crude from North Dakota to a refinery near Chicago.The tribe and Native American advocates from across the US have for months camped out at the site in an effort to block a planned oil pipeline, which is operated by Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners and on track to transport fracked crude from North Dakota to a refinery near Chicago.
Tribal leaders have argued that the project threatens the local water supply and could destroy sacred lands. The standoff comes days after the Morton County sheriff’s office launched mass arrests of protesters, journalists and film-makers.Tribal leaders have argued that the project threatens the local water supply and could destroy sacred lands. The standoff comes days after the Morton County sheriff’s office launched mass arrests of protesters, journalists and film-makers.