Talks between the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the state of South Dakota are on hold due to the suspension of President Cecilia Fire Thunder, The Rapid City Journal reports.

Fire Thunder had been negotiating with the state for an extradition compact. But she has since been suspended from office by the tribal council for unrelated reasons.

The compact was requested by Gov. Mike Rounds (R) in order to extradite two tribal members to Fall River County. The two men, who are brothers, are accused of assault and attempted murder for the beating of a non-Indian man. The incident occurred off the reservation.

A third man, George Birlew, 23, was charged with assault and attempted murder but he was acquitted by a jury on Wednesday.

Get the Story:
Jury finds man not guilty in beating (The Rapid City Journal 12/8)

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