Featured photo: Protests on July 1, courtesy of Giniw Collective
More than 30 pipeline protesters were arrested late last week in Hubbard County.
According to Sheriff Cory Aukes, deputies responded to an Enbridge pipeline right-of-way north of Park Rapids Thursday on the report of trespassing.
An estimated 100 people were either on Highway 71 or chained to heavy equipment at an active worksite.
Aukes says the group vandalized equipment and attacked a worker.
One protester allegedly attempted to run over an officer, resulting in pursuit on Highway 71 before the driver entered the ditch and was stopped before plunging into Hay Creek.
The next day, three elderly women were chained to the main gate at an Enbridge pipe yard in Lake Hattie Township.
They were arrested after two “sleeping dragon” devices were removed.
Giniw Collective, one of several groups opposed to Line 3, said, “Water Protectors are putting their bodies on the line to defend the sacred while record-setting heat cooks the globe.”
Giniw Collective says Enbridge has begun drilling in over 20 rivers and 800 wetlands in Anishinaabe treaty territory, and they claim the expansion of the fossil fuel industry is escalating climate change.
