PINE RIDGE, S.D. - The President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe has declared an extended state of emergency on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, citing what he describes as an “escalating and catastrophic breakdown of law and order.” During an emergency meeting on Monday, President Frank Star Comes Out issued the proclamation.

“A crisis has worsened following a tragic series of violent events, including the fatal shooting of a juvenile on Christmas Day, a double homicide earlier today, and a subsequent shooting this evening which appears to be a retaliation for earlier incidents,” said Star Comes Out. “These events underscore the dire need for immediate intervention and support to ensure the safety and well being of our tribal members.”

Star Comes Out attributed the crisis to the failure of U.S. government agencies to uphold their treaty, statutory, and trust obligations to provide adequate law enforcement resources on the reservation. He is requesting an additional 50 police officers, associated equipment, and expanded jail capacity to address a rise in homicides and drug trafficking.

“Currently all tribal jails are full. The tribe will have to rent space for new prisoners,” said Star Comes Out.

The proclamation also calls for more aggressive investigations into federal drug crimes and stricter enforcement of curfews for school-aged children.

During the meeting, the mother of the boy killed on Christmas Day delivered an emotional plea, urging for greater support for families and accountability from the community.

“I’m requesting the adults be held accountable because where were the adults in that situation. I knew where my son was,” she said. “I want to share his story and help other kids because this pain I’m going through, I’m going to go through the rest of my life. I don’t want to let him down.”

Other speakers noted that the juvenile who was murdered on Christmas was a "good kid" and responsible student.

“He was a peacemaker. That gun that shot him was pointed at another kid, and he told that guy to put that gun away, and that he could hurt someone. Then he took the gun, and shot my son because my son was trying to be a peacemaker,” his mother said.