Montana Sen. Shannon Augare (D). Photo Montana Legislature

A Blackfeet Nation leader who has been indicted in federal court led the effort to arrest tribal members who were protesting outside of tribal headquarters.

Vice chair Shannon Augare, who also serves as a state senator, made the motion to call in tribal police, The Great Falls Tribune reported. A resolution that he helped write claimed the protesters were attempting a "forceful takeover" of the council.

Seven people -- including suspended council member Cheryl Little Dog -- were arrested as a result. They are due to be arraigned in tribal court on Friday.

“I can’t see us getting a fair trial,” 69-year-old Newton Racine, who was arrested, told the paper. “I’m definitely not confident at all.”

Augare has been indicted in federal court on charges of drunken driving, obstructing a peace officer and reckless driving. He wants the case dismissed, saying it should be under tribal jurisdiction.

Get the Story:
Blackfeet protesters to be arraigned on Friday (The Great Falls Tribune 9/5)
Blackfeet protesters will be arraigned on Friday (KRTV 9/4)

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Seven arrested in protest outside Blackfeet Nation headquarters (9/4)
Blackfeet Nation chair questions council member's prosecution (9/3)