HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana Gov. Steve Bullock says he will consult with Native American leaders before fulfilling any future requests for law-enforcement assistance at the site of an oil pipeline protest in North Dakota.
The Democratic governor said Thursday conditions near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation have changed since he approved the last request in October.
Clashes between police and protesters trying to stop construction of the $3.8 billion pipeline have resulted in more than 400 arrests since August. Last week, police used pepper spray on dozens of protesters trying to cross a stream to private property.
The 10 Montana Highway Patrol troopers sent to the protest in October return home on Sunday.
The Bozeman Daily Chronicle reports Gallatin County Sheriff Brian Gootkin has canceled plans to take four deputies to the protest after receiving numerous calls and emails not to.
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