Native Sun: Marchers Protest Shooting Death of Oglala Man

This story was written by Estella Claymore and is copyright Native Sun News.

RAPID CITY—“No Justice, No Peace”. “Unity and Justice go hand in hand”.

These phrases were among those shouted by protesters as they marched down Haines Avenue on June 1 during a protest against what the American Indian community says was the “unnecessary” slaying of Christopher Capps by a Pennington County Sheriff’s Department deputy in early May.

Capps, 22, a college-bound Oglala Lakota man, was shot near his Sunnyside Mobile Home Community just north of Rapid City. Nearly 100 protesters joined the march that started at Mother Butler Center and ended at the intersection of Omaha and Fifth Street.

Protesters from several South Dakota tribes, as well as those from as far away as Montana, joined the march that was heavily patrolled by sheriff’s deputies in unmarked vehicles, many seeking to arrest participants based on what was said to be outstanding warrants – a situation that was blamed for suppressing the number of protesters.

Meanwhile, officers from the Rapid City Police Department escorted the marchers.

“Remember Christopher,” one of the many protester signs said.

“Overkill: 5 Shots,” said another. Capps, 22, was shot five times by Deputy Dave Olson on May 2.

“Another injustice against Native Americans in Rapid City,” said James Swan, one of Rapid City’s American Indian community leaders and an American Indian Movement member.

“No is not an answer no more, enough is enough,” said Swan, who helped organize the protest march.

Protesters ended their march on the north side of the Rapid City administration building in an attempt to draw some attention from Mayor Alan Hanks, who was said to be “in meetings all day.” Hanks’ secretary, Trudy Severson, said he would not be speaking to the protestors.

After the march, protesters were scheduled to regroup at Mother Butler Center for a feed and speakers, including Capps’ parents, Jerry and Jaylene Capps.

Related Stories at http://www.indianz.com/ :
Native Sun: Deputy reached for gun, not taser, in shooting (5/27)
Native Sun: Police shooting of Oglala man ruled as 'justified' (5/19)
Native Sun: Oglala Sioux family sends son to the spirit world (5/13)
Native Sun News: Deputy shoots and kills Lakota man, 22 (5/6)