Police Use Water Cannons On Dakota Access Protesters In Freezing Temps

"Tensions over the Dakota Access oil pipeline flared again Sunday when North Dakota law enforcement used water cannons to disperse a group of about 400 protesters trying to move past a barricaded bridge toward construction sites for the controversial project.

As temperatures in Cannon Ball, N.D., dropped into the 20s, police in riot gear sprayed anti-pipeline activists with a hose mounted on top of an armored vehicle and formed a line to prevent them from advancing up the road, according to the Bismarck Tribune. Protesters also reported being pelted with rubber bullets, tear gas and concussion grenades during the standoff, which lasted until late Sunday night.

A grainy Facebook Live video from the scene shows throngs of people gathered around the Backwater Bridge on Highway 1806, with flood lights shining down on the grass and road below, and a haze of smoke and water vapor rising near police vehicles."

Derek Hawkins reports for the Washington Post November 21, 2016.

SEE ALSO:

"Police And Protesters Face Off Near Site Of Dakota Access Pipeline" (Chicago Tribune/wires)

"Police Clash With North Dakota Pipeline Protesters, Arrest One" (Reuters)http://www.reuters.com/article/us-north-dakota-pipeline-idUSKBN13G0BS