Three people killed on Spirit Lake Reservation in North Dakota – Suspect in custody:
A suspect is in custody following a fatal shooting that left three members of the Spirit Lake Tribe dead in St. Michael’s, North Dakota, tribal officials confirmed Tuesday.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs informed the Spirit Lake Tribal Council of the deadly incident early Tuesday morning. By the afternoon, law enforcement had apprehended a suspect, according to a statement from Lonna J. Street, chairwoman of the Spirit Lake Tribe.
Street did not identify the victims or the suspect but urged the community to come together during this difficult time.
“As we navigate this difficult time, we ask for the community’s empathy and understanding,” Street said. “Our hearts go out to the victims’ families, and we encourage everyone to keep them in your thoughts and prayers as we grieve this tragic incident together.”
According to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, authorities had been searching for a 25-year-old male suspect with no known criminal record in connection to the shooting. The attack occurred inside a home on the reservation, prompting immediate law enforcement response.
The Spirit Lake Tribal Council issued a shelter-in-place order for residents across the reservation, including St. Michael’s, Fort Totten, Crow Hill, and Wood Lake. That order has since been lifted.
In response to the incident, the Spirit Lake Housing Corporation and CHI St. Alexius Health Devils Lake Hospital went into lockdown as a precaution. Minnewaukan Public School also acknowledged the situation, stating that it had been in contact with the Benson County Sheriff’s Office and was closely monitoring any potential impact on school operations.
“We will continue to monitor any events that could impact our school,” school officials said in a statement.
Authorities have not yet released additional details about a possible motive or the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The investigation is ongoing, with local law enforcement, the FBI, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs involved in the case.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.