In a gross effort to shut down the Standing Rock camps, the Morton County Sheriff’s department is cracking down on anyone attempting to supply the water protectors with supplies.
The department will start fining people that attempt to bring supplies and are demanding that whole companies stop selling to the water protectors.
ACE Hardware, a national hardware chain, has been instructed by law enforcement to stop selling propane tanks to the Standing Rock Sioux water protectors. This is a huge inconvenience, as they rely heavily on these tanks for heat during the winter months. As the temperatures continue to drop and the snow continues to fall, this could cause potentially life-threading situations for those camped at Standing Rock.
ACE Hardware issued the following email announcing the change in their policy:
“Hello Dr.Scott Litch,
Thank you for contacting the Ace Care Center.
Ace Hardware stores in the vicinity of recent pipeline protests in North Dakota have been requested by law enforcement officials to refrain from selling materials that could be used as incendiary devices. Ace’s number one priority is to protect the safety of its employees, customers and the communities each store serves; Ace will continue to cooperate with law enforcement officials. Ace’s compliance is not a reflection of any corporate viewpoint on the pipeline project.
If you need any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us and refer to incident 2529138.
Have a great day!
Sincerely,
Camillia H. | Ace Care Center
(888) 827-4223
Helpful is our Business – Caring is our Commitment”
Several activists have confirmed the change in policy via phone calls with the company:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y__kDiFXjVQ
According to Reuters, there is concern about building materials because “the camp is not zoned for permanent structures” and propane tanks“because they have been used in attacks against law enforcement.” So far there has been no evidence that permanent structures have been built, nor that propane tanks have been used against law enforcement. There is a strict no-weapon policy in all Standing Rock camps.
Any vehicles attempting to deliver supplies and materials to the camps will be fined $1,000. The Sheriff’s department is using the recent evacuation order, issued by Governor Jack Dalrymple, as a reason for the blockade.
As of Tuesday NationofChange staff on the ground at the Oceti Sakowin camp at Standing Rock were told that no supplies had yet been turned away, so it is unclear when any of this will go into effect.
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