Standing Rock Protesters Have Lengthy Criminal Records

A new analysis by the National Sheriff’s Association shows that many of the professional protesters arrested in connection with anti-pipeline riots in North Dakota have had prior run ins with the law.

Those arrested have criminal records that include domestic violence, theft, driving while under the influence, and drug possession. The national law enforcement group further found that only 6 percent of the protesters that have been arrested are actually from North Dakota.

According to the National Sheriff’s Association:

• There have been 595 protesters arrested in connection with anti-pipeline riots and protests. Just 6% of those protesters are from North Dakota, while the other 559 are from 46 other states stretching from Vermont to Florida to California.

• 192 of the arrested protesters have a total of 1,231 previous citations and charges for illegal activity.

• 26 protesters have a history of violence including domestic violence and child abuse.

• 33 arrested protesters have a history of theft, robbery, or burglary.

• 24 protesters have a history of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• 33 protesters have been previously cited or arrested for drug possession.

Photo courtesy of the National Sheriff’s Association.