Multiple people shot on Spirit Lake Reservation; shooter at large

SPIRIT LAKE RESERVATION, N.D. — Spirit Lake tribal departments are on lockdown and the community has been encouraged to shelter in place due to a reported shooting on the reservation Tuesday morning, March 4.

Law enforcement told WDAY News multiple individuals were injured in the shooting.

Vicki Alberts, the tribe’s public relations specialist, told the Grand Forks Herald just before 11 a.m. that the lockdown was ongoing, and no other information was available as the tribe awaited further updates from law enforcement.

The Spirit Lake Tribal Council said it is aware of an incident involving law enforcement, according to a post on the Spirit Lane Nation-Mni Wakan Oyate Facebook page. The post does not explicitly reference a shooting, but residents living on the reservation are being asked to shelter in place until further notice.

The council urged residents not to approach individuals involved in suspicious activity and to instead call local law enforcement at 701-766-4231.

In a Facebook post, Minnewaukan Public Schools said its doors are locked and it has been in contact with the Benson County Sheriff’s Office about the incident.

Dispatchers in Fargo put out an all-points bulletin (APB) for a Blue Ford Focus with a male suspect inside. Dispatch indicated the man is likely armed with a handgun.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.