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Criminal charges filed against a journalist, who covered a pipeline protest, were dropped Monday after a judge refused to sign the complaint against her. Judge John Grinsteiner did not find probable cause that Amy Goodman had engaged in a riot while reporting on a clash between protesters and private security in September.

Goodman told the Tribune she was "deeply relieved" to find out the charge was dismissed.

"But it just strengthened my resolve that we have to fight to ensure that the First Amendment is protected," Goodman said. "It's not just for journalists. It's for everyone, because freedom of the press means that there is a way for people to get information so they can make informed decisions."

Goodman said she took the arrest warrant issued for her in September as a "clear message" that North Dakota officials did not want her to return to the state.

"This is clearly meant to intimidate, and I think the judge saw that clearly today," said Goodman, who indicated she will keep covering the protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Prosecutor Ladd Erickson had asked the judge to charge Goodman with engaging in a riot after dropping a criminal trespass charge against her, due to legal problems proving the charge.