SANTAN, Ariz. — The Gila River Indian Community has issued a temporary ban on dances after a tribal police officer was fatally shot and another wounded while responding to a reported disturbance at a Santan home, tribal officials said Sunday.
Stephen Roe Lewis, governor of the tribe south of Phoenix, said a special meeting of community council’s leaders was held Saturday night.
The council approved a temporary moratorium on all permitted and non-permitted dances in the community, effective immediately, along with enhanced penalties for trespassing and disorderly conduct, he said.
The Phoenix FBI is investigating the fatal shooting, but it has not released many details.
The Arizona Republic reported that the shooting occurred at a teenager’s birthday party in Santan, located in one of the tribal community’s seven districts.
Joshua Briese, who had been with the Gila River Police Department for less than a year and had not completed field training, responded to the scene along with another tribal police officer around 2 a.m. Saturday on a 911 disturbance call involving a large crowd.
Police said multiple gunshots were fired and both officers were struck, with four other people wounded.
Briese was declared dead at a hospital, and the other officer, whose name hasn’t been released yet, was listed in serious but stable condition, according to police.
One of the four people wounded later died, police said. The names of the victims weren’t immediately available Sunday.
Briese, 23, was the son of a former sheriff’s deputy in Montana who also died in the line of duty.
The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post that David Briese was killed in a November 2006 car crash.
News reports said David Briese was responding at the time to a backup call for an officer who was dealing with a combative impaired driver in Billings, Montana.
The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community in Arizona has recently made the decision to enforce a temporary ban on traditional dances following the fatal shooting of a police officer during a disturbance incident. The ban comes as a response to the tragic event that occurred on the reservation, which has left the community in shock and mourning.
The incident took place during a traditional dance ceremony, where a disturbance erupted that led to the fatal shooting of a police officer who was responding to the scene. The community has been left reeling from the loss of one of their own, and the decision to temporarily suspend all dances is seen as a way to honor the fallen officer and ensure the safety of all community members.
The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional dances play a significant role in their cultural practices. However, in light of this recent tragedy, tribal leaders have deemed it necessary to take a step back and reassess the safety protocols surrounding these events.
Tribal Chairman Martin Harvier expressed his condolences to the family of the fallen officer and emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all community members. He stated, “We must come together as a community during this difficult time and take necessary precautions to prevent any further incidents from occurring.”
The temporary ban on dances is expected to remain in place until further notice, as tribal leaders work to implement additional safety measures and protocols to prevent future disturbances. While this decision may be met with disappointment by some community members who value their cultural traditions, it is ultimately a necessary step to ensure the safety and security of everyone involved.
In times of tragedy, it is important for communities to come together and support one another. The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community is no exception, and their decision to enforce a temporary ban on dances is a reflection of their commitment to protecting their members and honoring the memory of those who have been lost. As they mourn the loss of a beloved police officer, they will continue to work towards creating a safe and secure environment for all.
