Divergent and Insurgent star Shailene Woodley was arrested while participating in what was described as prayer meetings and attempts to block construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline near Cannonball in North Dakota.
The blockbuster movie star and well-known environmentalist has been very vocal about her support for those opposing the construction of the pipeline and has previously participated in movements attempting to draw attention to the issue.
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and many others have spent months attempting to block construction of the $3.8 billion, 1,172-mile pipe. They believe the environmental threats it poses and the obligation to consult with the indigenous people have been ignored in the process.
If completed, the pipeline would transport up to 500,000 barrels of Bakken crude oil per day across the country to Illinois. It would pass under the Missouri River which is the main water source for the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation and impact numerous sacred sites and treaty territories.
While the Obama Administration called for a temporary halt on construction near Lake Oahe, this did not prevent further construction continuing.
Shailene Woodley attended a prayer and gathered with Sacred Stone camp members. As she attempted to walk back to her vehicle police approached her, and told her she was being arrested for trespassing. Woodley spoke to the live video feed and said;
“So everybody knows I was going to our vehicle which they (police) had all surrounded and waiting for me with giant guns and a giant truck behind them, just so they could arrest me so they knew this would happen.”
As police led her to their vehicle she yelled, "I hope you’re watching mainstream media.”
The full 2 hour live-stream video can be viewed at this link https://www.facebook.com/ShaileneWoodley/?fref=ts
According to a press conference held shortly after by the Morton County Sheriff's Department, a total of 27 people were arrested and charged with reckless endangerment and criminal trespass.
In response to questions about police confronting those gathered against the pipeline in riot gear and carrying weapons, the Operations Chief of Morton County Sheriff Paul Laney said, "People will say you know well you come out dressed in the equipment you're dressed in, well we don't know whats in that crowd and that crowd is not peaceful, they are not prayerful."
Angela Bibens, an attorney with the Red Owl Legal Collective recently posted on Facebook that Shailene Woodley had been released on bond
"Red Owl Legal Collective is at the Morton County Jail. We have 29 water protectors who were arrested in the course of water protection activities earlier today. Shailene Woodley has been released on bond and has generously offered her support of our other relatives who are awaiting bond advisements. We are grateful for her alliance in this fight.
These are sacred times. 💦 ❤️ 💦
Mitakuye Oasin.
#noDAPL
#MniWiconi
#NLG"