MORTON COUNTY, N.D. (KFGO) - Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier says trespassing and vandalism charges are expected to be filed against Green Party Presidential candidate Jill Stein for spray-painting construction equipment at a Dakota Access Pipeline protest Tuesday.
A spokeswoman for Stein says that activists invited her to leave a message at the protest site. She says stein wrote "I approve this message" in red spray paint on the blade of a bulldozer. Stein, a clean energy advocate, camped out with protesters Monday evening.
Kirchmeier, on edge about continued violence, says attempts to discuss the situation with Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Chairman David Archambault have not been successful. He says Archambault needs to help "disengage" what's going on.
Kirchmeier says 150 to 200 protesters illegally assembled on the site Tuesday, some riding horses, carrying hatchets and knives and wearing masks and goggles.
Several dozen law officers on scene pulled back after determining it was not safe to respond. Authorities are also investigating a drone flying above the crowd and interfering with a state aircraft. Both are violations of FAA regulations.