Fact-Check: Did Governor Kristi Noem Order The National Guard To Arrest Protesters?

James

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Post on Jun 13, 2025

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Fact-Check: Did Governor Kristi Noem Order the National Guard to Arrest Protesters?

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has faced intense scrutiny following the 2020 Black Hills protests. Claims circulated widely online alleging she directly ordered the South Dakota National Guard to arrest protesters. But did this actually happen? Let's delve into the facts and separate truth from misinformation.

The Allegations: Social media posts and various news outlets initially reported that Governor Noem deployed the National Guard with orders to aggressively suppress protests related to the Mount Rushmore fireworks display. These posts often depicted the National Guard's presence as a heavy-handed response, implying direct orders from the governor to make arrests.

The Reality: While Governor Noem did authorize the deployment of the South Dakota National Guard to support law enforcement during the Mount Rushmore event, there's no verifiable evidence supporting claims of direct orders to arrest protesters. Official statements from the governor's office and the National Guard itself emphasized a role in maintaining order and assisting local law enforcement, not initiating mass arrests. The National Guard's involvement primarily focused on logistical support and crowd management.

Analyzing the Evidence: Several factors contribute to the confusion surrounding the events. The large number of National Guard personnel present undeniably created a significant visual impact. Coupled with Governor Noem's publicly stated commitment to maintaining order, this fueled speculation about direct orders for arrests. However, crucial evidence, such as internal memos or official directives explicitly ordering arrests, remains absent.

What We Know:

• National Guard Deployment: The National Guard was deployed to support law enforcement, primarily for logistical purposes and crowd control.
• Governor's Stance: Governor Noem publicly expressed concerns about potential disruptions and emphasized the need for a strong law enforcement presence.
• Lack of Direct Arrest Orders: No credible evidence supports the claim that Governor Noem directly ordered the National Guard to arrest protesters. Arrests made during the protests were primarily handled by local law enforcement.
• Media Coverage: Initial news reports varied, with some focusing on the National Guard's presence and others highlighting potential security concerns. This created fertile ground for misinterpretations and the spread of misinformation.

Conclusion:

The claim that Governor Kristi Noem directly ordered the South Dakota National Guard to arrest protesters during the 2020 Mount Rushmore protests is unsubstantiated. While the National Guard's presence was significant, and Governor Noem advocated for a strong law enforcement response, evidence supporting direct orders for mass arrests is lacking. It's crucial to rely on verifiable sources and scrutinize information before sharing it, especially during politically charged events. The spread of misinformation can have serious consequences and undermine public trust.

Keywords: Kristi Noem, South Dakota National Guard, Mount Rushmore protests, fact-check, misinformation, protest, 2020 protests, law enforcement, crowd control, South Dakota, National Guard deployment, political controversy.

Further Reading: For more information on the 2020 Mount Rushmore protests and the role of the National Guard, you can consult official reports from the South Dakota Department of Public Safety and reputable news archives. (Note: Include links to relevant official sources here, if available).