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North Dakota pipeline: police arrest protesters as standoff continues – live North Dakota pipeline: police use pepper spray and arrest protesters – live
(35 minutes later)
11.01pm BST
23:01
At the protest is a mixture of police and private security, some of the latter of whom are watching events unfold:
In the background, DAPL private security watching (and a few smirking) as protestors are teargassed #NODAPL #DAPL pic.twitter.com/7fDiKgwjFP
10.49pm BST
22:49
Sheriff slams 'millionaire Hollywood actors'
Morton County sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier has slammed Native American protesters and their supporters in a new statement that appears to be a response to actor Mark Ruffalo, who is backing the Standing Rock Sioux tribe:
Morton County has entrusted me to uphold the law and that is exactly what I intend to do. Yet I am being asked by outsiders and millionaire Hollywood actors to let agitators and rioters walk onto private property, destroy equipment, and endanger lives. And, so-called environmentalists are asking me to turn my head and allow this to happen. We have patrolled the county and enforced the law because our number one priority is public safety, separating the unlawful actors from legal protesters. This is not about the pipeline. This is not about those who wish to legally protest. This is about the rule of law.
Here’s Ruffalo at the Dakota Access pipeline demonstration earlier this week:
Peaceful resistance. #NoDAPL #StandingRock pic.twitter.com/alp8Gk2vA8
Updated
at 10.53pm BST
10.35pm BST
22:35
Police make 16 arrests, deploy pepper spray
Police have made 16 arrests as of 3.30pm local time, Cecily Fong, spokeswoman for the state department of emergency services, told the Guardian.
Fong confirmed that police have also used pepper spray on activists, who have been standing their ground and refusing to back down as police close in on the demonstration at the Dakota Access pipeline site. Fong said state officials are “hopeful” that police can clear the area of protesters, at which point the pipeline operator, Energy Transfer Partners, would be responsible for security.
“They were given a warning that they were free to go,” she said, adding, “The pipeline company will secure that site since it’s their property.”
Fong claimed that the protesters had become violent, but the activists have repeatedly argued that police have been the aggressors. Fong said she believes the company would allow activists to return to the site to retrieve their teepees. She added:
Our intent from the beginning here is that no one gets seriously hurt. We’ve shown a lot of patience and discretion.
10.33pm BST10.33pm BST
22:3322:33
Police are currently attempting to push protesters up the street and away from the construction site.Police are currently attempting to push protesters up the street and away from the construction site.
Atsa E’sha Hoferer is currently streaming the events on Facebook Live:Atsa E’sha Hoferer is currently streaming the events on Facebook Live:
10.23pm BST10.23pm BST
22:2322:23
Rose Stiffarm, a cinematographer and member of six Native American nations including the Chippewa Cree, has been at the protest camp for a month.Rose Stiffarm, a cinematographer and member of six Native American nations including the Chippewa Cree, has been at the protest camp for a month.
She just spoke to the Guardian over the phone from the the protest over the noise of police loud-hailers and the sound of protesters chanting “Mni Wiconi”, which means “water is life” in the Lakota dialect.She just spoke to the Guardian over the phone from the the protest over the noise of police loud-hailers and the sound of protesters chanting “Mni Wiconi”, which means “water is life” in the Lakota dialect.
“I’m on the front lines right now,” Stiffarm said. “They just fired some rounds of tear-gas or something - it’s hard to tell.”“I’m on the front lines right now,” Stiffarm said. “They just fired some rounds of tear-gas or something - it’s hard to tell.”
We are innocent people; women, children, and elders. The government is attacking us for protesting, for protecting the water.We are innocent people; women, children, and elders. The government is attacking us for protesting, for protecting the water.
Asked to describe what she was seeing, she said:Asked to describe what she was seeing, she said:
I’m on the road right now ... right now we’re probably at least 100 protectors here, and about the same amount of police. There’s military vehicles that are armored, pipeline workers here surrounding us in addition to police.I’m on the road right now ... right now we’re probably at least 100 protectors here, and about the same amount of police. There’s military vehicles that are armored, pipeline workers here surrounding us in addition to police.
They have these noise-things that are meant to deafen us, the volume is increasing. There’s some people here wearing eyewear and ear-protection ... I saw a person of the press pepper-sprayed because they have a camera - they are targeting press right now.They have these noise-things that are meant to deafen us, the volume is increasing. There’s some people here wearing eyewear and ear-protection ... I saw a person of the press pepper-sprayed because they have a camera - they are targeting press right now.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.24pm BSTat 10.24pm BST
10.15pm BST10.15pm BST
22:1522:15
Mark Ruffalo says police 'very aggressive'Mark Ruffalo says police 'very aggressive'
Actor Mark Ruffalo, who traveled to North Dakota to support the pipeline protests, said he observed that police were “very, very aggressive” in an interview on CNN.Actor Mark Ruffalo, who traveled to North Dakota to support the pipeline protests, said he observed that police were “very, very aggressive” in an interview on CNN.
Mark Ruffalo speaks about police violence at pipeline protests in North Dakota: “Very, very aggressive” https://t.co/oj9wDDAphuMark Ruffalo speaks about police violence at pipeline protests in North Dakota: “Very, very aggressive” https://t.co/oj9wDDAphu
He continued:He continued:
The mantra of the place is it’s not the police, it’s the pipeline that we’re protesting or protecting ourselves against. They spend basically the entire day doing prayers, chanting. I’ve never been around so peaceful a stand. It’s led by young people.The mantra of the place is it’s not the police, it’s the pipeline that we’re protesting or protecting ourselves against. They spend basically the entire day doing prayers, chanting. I’ve never been around so peaceful a stand. It’s led by young people.
10.04pm BST10.04pm BST
22:0422:04
Unicorn Riot, an independent media organization who have been reporting on the ground at the protests since they began in April, captured this picture which appears to show a tribal elder in ceremonial dress being arrested at the protest:Unicorn Riot, an independent media organization who have been reporting on the ground at the protests since they began in April, captured this picture which appears to show a tribal elder in ceremonial dress being arrested at the protest:
Police have arrested an elder in ceremonial garb who was praying. #NoDAPL pic.twitter.com/IJtXUvPQydPolice have arrested an elder in ceremonial garb who was praying. #NoDAPL pic.twitter.com/IJtXUvPQyd
There are also reports that pepper spray is being deployed:There are also reports that pepper spray is being deployed:
#NoDAPL cops macing crowd, people running https://t.co/caEhSPIdSO pic.twitter.com/bJ8spS0zpq#NoDAPL cops macing crowd, people running https://t.co/caEhSPIdSO pic.twitter.com/bJ8spS0zpq
9.50pm BST9.50pm BST
21:5021:50
Police: 'You are going to get pepper-sprayed'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 farther away. An officer said: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 farther 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.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:Hoferer said on the stream:
They are surrounding us now ... They have their batons out ready to hurt us.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#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
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.01pm BSTat 10.01pm BST
9.33pm BST9.33pm BST
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Are you protesting the Dakota Access pipeline? Share your photos and storiesAre you protesting the Dakota Access pipeline? Share your photos and stories
Harry SlaterHarry 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.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.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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.40pm BSTat 9.40pm BST
9.15pm BST9.15pm BST
21:1521:15
Police make arrestsPolice make arrests
Authorities closing in on Dakota Access pipeline protesters have begun making arrests, a spokeswoman for the local sheriff just told the Guardian.Authorities closing in on 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 Associated Press 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 Associated Press 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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.03pm BSTat 10.03pm BST
9.12pm BST
21:12
Standing 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.
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/4ixgjiuGpk
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.
William Brownotter, 16, added in a statement, “By refusing to stand against DAPL, Hillary is putting our environment, wildlife, culture, and land at risk.”
Updated
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8.53pm BST
20:53
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:
#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.
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.
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.
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.
Updated
at 9.04pm BST
8.35pm BST
20:35
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/N51Q1MqPo8
Updated
at 8.48pm BST
8.22pm BST
20:22
How we got here
Updated
at 8.25pm BST
8.15pm BST
20:15
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.
“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
Updated
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8.11pm BST
20:11
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”.
Asked if any other agencies - local, state, or federal - were currently taking an active role, she declined to comment.
Updated
at 8.37pm BST
7.57pm BST
19:57
Standing Rock member: 'We are standing up'
Sam 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.
“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 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:
Updated
at 8.17pm BST
7.41pm BST
19:41
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”:
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”.
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.”
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.
Updated
at 8.16pm BST
7.38pm BST
19:38
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/hYuOteXYkM
Spoke 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/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.
Local authorities have claimed that the protesters are dangerous and engaged in riots on private land.
7.35pm BST
19:35
Police 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.
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.
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.