While there is certainly no lack of blame to go around as to who is responsible for the standoff taking place at Standing Rock, numerous specific government officials are directly responsible for turning the peaceful protest in something resembling a militarized war zone.

The increased militarism on the part of the state began when North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple declared a state of emergency in response to the growing protests against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL).

Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier then utilized the Emergency Management Assistance compact to call on law enforcement agencies in six states surrounding North Dakota – with numerous police agencies from neighboring states responding.