Kody Kalb, an employee of D's Nuts, said the demonstrators initially ignored mall security's request to leave.

"They started chanting and refused to leave. Arrests were made, and even more people showed up to take videos of it," said Kalb, who witnessed at least 15 arrests. "It was short-lived. There was 80 to 100 and just as many bystanders. ... They were chanting 'Water is Life.'"

Shoe Dept. Encore and Grand China Restaurant closed their gates for a brief time, but later reopened them, according to staff at those locations.

Brian O'Keefe, of Sante Fe, N.M., a resident of one of the protest camps, was in the mall for Chinese food.

"Not only is the mission protecting water, it's become a much broader issue of protecting our rights — civil rights, human rights. I work with Amnesty International. I think it's critical we become aware of our human and civil rights that are being eroded," he said.

He denied that the pipeline opponents are agitating the situation and described Sunday's action south of Mandan as a catastrophe, characterizing the police action against the activists as going beyond what was necessary.

"I feel it is a very critical time in our history and a critical assortment of issues that need to be dealt with. Both sides will need to learn to deal with this. I know our side is not going to back down," he said. "The groups are trying to protect water, clean water, indigeneous people's rights, sacred grounds, territory and broken treaties."

(Reach LeAnn Eckroth at 701-250-8264 or leann.eckroth@bismarcktribune.com)

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.