Lujan Grisham Asks DOJ to Send Federal Monitors, Start Investigation of Actions against Protesters at Standing Rock

WASHINGTON D.C. – Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham sent a letter today urging the U.S. Department of Justice to send federal monitors to North Dakota to stop the violence at Standing Rock. I also asked for an investigation into the aggressive and unwarranted tactics being used against peaceful protestors.

Here is the letter to the Attorney General:

Dear Attorney General Lynch,

I am extremely disturbed by the ongoing violence toward water protectors protesting the North Dakota Pipeline (DAPL) near Standing Rock in North Dakota. Allowing local and private law enforcement entities to use excessive force against these peaceful water protectors is unconscionable and unconstitutional.

There have been multiple reports that local law enforcement has employed overly aggressive tactics toward peaceful and unarmed water protectors on several occasions. By now, it is clear that the state of North Dakota is not going to stop the violence and hostility against these water protectors. Without immediate intervention from the Department of Justice (DOJ), the violence is only going to continue to escalate and put more lives in danger.

You must immediately send federal monitors to Standing Rock to stop the violence and ensure that the water protectors’ Constitutional rights are being respected while the Obama Administration reaches a decision regarding alternative routes. It is also imperative that DOJ immediately launch an investigation regarding reports that local law enforcement has used unwarranted violent tactics against unarmed and peaceful water protectors and to hold those responsible accountable.

There are several New Mexicans currently at Standing Rock exercising their civil right to protest DAPL. The recent violence and risk that many of these water protectors have faced in the past few days is unacceptable. We cannot afford to allow the situation to continue to escalate and it is critical that DOJ intervene immediately to ensure the safety of all stakeholders.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Michelle Lujan Grisham
Member of Congress