SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Authorities in south central North Dakota used water last night to control Dakota Access pipeline protesters who tried crossing a blocked bridge on a state highway.
Protesters said law enforcement used water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets to stop hundreds of protesters. A Morton County sheriff's official says the water was sprayed by a fire truck to control fires set by the activists. He says no water cannons were used.
The sheriff's office says it employed tear gas and less than lethal means to control the crowd as it was flanking law enforcement.
National Guard spokesperson Major Amber Balken says more guardsmen and airmen were called to the site over the weekend.
Balken says the soldiers and airmen are going to do exactly what they have been doing all protest long. She says that is supporting law enforcement by performing operations that you don't have to be a licensed law enforcement official to do.
Soaked protesters could go to a gym in Cannonball for warmth as temperatures dipped into the 20's. Some were also treated for discomfort from tear gas. One person was reportedly arrested.