Central ND News

Senator Cramer, commenting on the trial, stated, “The government’s strategy so far is to focus on anything and everything other than their own culpability for the protests. Instead of evaluating the merits of North Dakota’s $38 million claim, they bring in experts and protestors themselves to distract from North Dakota’s claim at hand. North Dakota did what the feds would not and worked to enforce law and order in an unruly and violent situation, and no amount of beating around the bush will distract from their lack of action.”

Chase Iron Eyes, a DAPL protest leader, testified, “It did not make a difference whether or not the protests were issued a permit to be there and agreed the camps on Corps land were a safe haven for activists.”

Winona LaDuke, an environmental activist, stated, “There was a lack of tribal consultation and the need for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). There was no need for Corps approval or permitting to occupy the land.”

Darren Cruzan, Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Office of Justice Services, revealed, “BIA was woefully understaffed to handle an influx of protesters. Efforts by DOJ employee Rosa Salamanca to train and equip protesters as a Self-Marshal security force were surprising and disagreed with.”

Senator Cramer further emphasized, “This trial is not merely about recouping the costs associated with policing the DAPL protests; it is about holding the federal government accountable for its inaction and the subsequent burden placed on our state. At every turn, the DOJ has demonstrated a disheartening disregard for the expeditious resolution of a matter of great importance to North Dakota.”

The court proceedings involved testimonies from various witnesses, including experts and protestors, shedding light on the events surrounding the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. The trial has brought to attention the actions of the Department of Justice and the significant impact it has had on North Dakota.

The court is expected to complete the record assembly within a 60-day period, followed by the submission of briefs and proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law from both parties. Judge Traynor is anticipated to issue a ruling shortly after the post-trial process concludes.