The case against Nick Tilsen, a well-known organizer in Native communities nationwide, has resulted in a mistrial, as the jury could not come to a decision. Tilsen's trial began on Jan. 26 and lasted three days. The prosecution has not yet indicated whether it will retry the charges. NDN Collective, the Native rights organization Tilsen founded, said the charges are politically motivated.
The case: In 2022, former Rapid City police officer Nicholas Glass said Tilsen attempted to hit him with his car. A warrant for Tilsen's arrest was issued in 2023.
New charges: A second felony charge of simple assault on a law enforcement officer was added to Tilsen's case on Jan. 7, in addition to his aggravated assault and obstruction of a law enforcement officer charges. NDN Collective said that the new felony is easier to convict with.
Prosecution response: Katy Urban, public information officer at the state's attorney's office, told Indian Country Today in a statement during the evidentiary hearing in June that claims about political motivation were untrue.
Go deeper: Read more about Tilsen, the case and NDN Collective at the link below.
Molly Wetsch
