Medium
Date: December 2, 2016
Agency: Morton County Sheriff's Department
Contact: Morton County PIO (701) 426-1587 or (701) 595-3596
Sheriff Urging Less Words and More Action from The Federal Government
Mandan, N.D. – Today, US Attorney General Loretta Lynch contacted Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier by phone to discuss the situation facing law enforcement with the Dakota Access Pipeline protests.
“While I appreciate the Attorney General taking the time to reach out to me, neither assistance for law enforcement nor a timeline for resolution was offered,” Kirchmeier said. “I hope the dialogue continues, but it’s time for more actions from the federal government, not more words.”
The following is a readout of the call:
- Sheriff Kirchmeier informed the attorney general of the concerns he has in regard to the safety of both the public and law enforcement as some protestors have exhibited unlawful and sometimes violent behavior and have put many at risk.
- Attorney General Lynch told the Sheriff that she understands that there seems to be a mix of several types of protestors; while there is a core of peaceful protestors, other groups bringing a different message, and “it all mixes together.”
- Sheriff Kirchmeier reiterated the request for the federal government to make a decision on the easement and to provide federal resources to assist with law enforcement efforts as protestors continue to camp unlawfully on US Corps of Engineers property.
- Attorney General Lynch said there are people working on a resolution, but she could not provide a timeline. She said she would continue to work with North Dakota’s congressional delegation and echoed the sheriff’s sentiments that maintaining public safety is the top priority.
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