Center for Biological Diversity


For Immediate Release, November 21, 2016

Contact: Kierán Suckling, (520) 623-5252 x 351, ksuckling@biologicaldiversity.org

Militarized Police Endanger Lives of Standing Rock Water Protectors
With Water Cannon Attack in Freezing Overnight Conditions

WASHINGTON— Militarized police last night launched a dangerous water cannon attack in sub-freezing temperatures on peaceful water protectors opposing construction of the Dakota Access oil pipeline at Standing Rock, N.D. The attack injured dozens and threatened the lives of American Indians and their allies, most of whom are camping without access to electric heat, by purposely subjecting them to hypothermic conditions.

In response to the attacks, Kierán Suckling, executive director of the Center for Biological Diversity, issued the following statement:
“Following weeks of sickening brutality toward peaceful American Indian water protectors, North Dakota and Morton County have escalated the violence to potentially lethal levels,” Suckling said. “This affront to human rights, indigenous cultures and our environment must stop now. We call again on President Obama to step in, immediately halt all violence and police actions against the water protectors, and stop all pipeline construction. The Dakota Access pipeline is a federally permitted action over which the president has full authority. He must take responsibility today and end the violence and halt the dangerous pipeline before it is too late.”


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