The possible extradition of two men from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota is stirring up controversy and racial tensions.

Brothers Dakota and Dirk Garnier face felony charges in Fall River County for a June 2 fight. The Garniers are tribal members who are accused of assault and attempted murder.

The fight involved two groups of teens and young adults. Matthew Pepin, 18, a non-Indian from Hot Springs, was seriously injured although he has since recovered.

The charges against Garnier have sparked rumors that there might another fight at a football game between Pine Ridge and Hot Springs. Police are stepping up security out of fear that people from Pine Ridge may retaliate, a local sheriff said. People in Hot Springs are also upset, the county attorney said.

Tribal members are outraged about the case, said Janis Schmidt, a co-founder of the Lakota Wawokiya Civil Rights Organization. She claims the police are singling out Indian youth who were involved in the fight.

Get the Story:
Rumors prompt tighter security (The Rapid City Journal 9/1)

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