The following is the text of a statement released by Floyd Jourdain Jr., chairman of the Red Lake Nation of Minnesota, on the arrest of his son, Louis, in connection with the March 21, 2005, deadly shootings on the reservation.

Last week I spoke on behalf of the Red Lake Nation as its leader and a saddened member of this community. Today, I speak as a father.

As many of you are aware, my son, Louis, has been charged in association with the shootings that occurred here last week.

My heart is heavy as a result of the tragic events that unfolded here at our nation. But it is with optimism that I state my son, Louis's, innocence.

He is a good boy with a good heart who never harmed anyone in his entire life. I know my son, and he is incapable of committing such an act.

As events unfold, it will be proven that the individual who committed this horrible crime did so of his own choice and that he acted alone.

I strongly believe that my son will be cleared of these charges.

I have been notified by the federal government that there is a juvenile court proceeding pending, which will not allow me to comment further.

Thank you.

Relevant Links:
Red Lake Net News - http://www.rlnn.com
Red Lake Nation - http://www.redlakenation.org
Red Lake High School - http://www.paulbunyan.net/rlschools/hs.htm

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