ST. MICHAEL, NORTH DAKOTA – A tragic shooting on Tuesday morning resulted in the deaths of two individuals, with another person remaining in critical condition, as confirmed by the Spirit Lake Tribal Council. The incident, involving members of the Spirit Lake Tribe, occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m. The alleged shooter is also reported to be a member of the same tribe, according to an updated statement released by the council on Wednesday.
The council had initially stated that three individuals had lost their lives in the shooting but later retracted that statement after receiving updated information from law enforcement. The correction clarified that only two victims had been pronounced deceased, with one person in critical condition. The council expressed regret over the misinformation and acknowledged the impact of the incident on the community.
Law enforcement authorities apprehended the suspect around 1:20 p.m. on the same day, and the individual remains in custody, with their identity not disclosed. The council recognized the various agencies for their prompt response and ongoing efforts in investigating the incident, including several local and state law enforcement agencies, as well as federal entities such as the FBI and U.S. Border Patrol.
In a show of solidarity and support, the tribal council thanked North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong and Maj. Gen. Alan Dohrmann for their quick response and the deployment of air support during the search for the suspect. The collaborative efforts were highlighted as a testament to the strength of the community and state during challenging times.
Additionally, the council extended its condolences to the grieving family and reminded tribal citizens of the availability of grief counseling services. It encouraged individuals to prioritize their mental health and overall well-being during this difficult period. For those in need of assistance, Spirit Lake Behavioral Health and Spirit Lake Suicide Prevention services were provided with contact information for support.