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AWKESASNE — The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is pleading for calm after a protest in front of the community’s Mohawk Police Service headquarters became violent on Friday night, resulting in a police SUV being stolen and set on fire.

Video of the incident surfaced on social media featuring what seemed to be the sound of bullets exploding in the heat of the fire, which took place on the international ice bridge that connects different portions of the community.

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Grand Chief Abram Benedict declined to comment when contacted about the confrontation, instead deferring to a statement put out on behalf of the MCA and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, which governs the American portion of the Indigenous community.

“Akwesasne has faced many challenges as part of an ongoing effort to ensure that the health and safety of the community remains a priority,” reads the statement. “At this time, we respectfully acknowledge the differing perspectives on this matter and encourage continued peaceful dialogue. Throughout this process, we continue to seek the assistance of all Akwesasronon in promoting peace, harmony and the working relationships we’ve proudly achieved in recent years.”