The tense situation erupted into state sponsored violence as law enforcement began spraying water protectors attempting to cross the creek with pepper spray, with reports of a water protector being shot in the back by a non-lethal round.

The situation on the ground is tense and many there feel that this conflict is coming to a head with these latest police actions.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has given the county orders to remove the makeshift bridge and arrest any protesters who cross the Cantapeta Creek for criminal trespass, according to Morton County spokeswoman Donnell Preskey.

"Protesters involved in this activity are violating numerous federal and state laws," Pesky said.