Federal Charges Filed Against Man Tied to Fargo Shooting

Attempted murder charges dropped as federal case moves forward against Braden Poitra.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 2:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Braden Poitra, a 24-year-old Moorhead resident, has been charged in federal court with being a felon in possession of a firearm, drug possession, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The charges stem from a September 2026 shooting incident in Fargo where a man was left with non-life-threatening injuries.

Why it matters

The federal charges against Poitra come after state charges of attempted murder and other crimes were dropped. This highlights the complex legal process involved when a suspect faces both state and federal charges for the same alleged criminal acts.

The details

Police found Poitra hiding in the trunk of a vehicle that was stopped in West Fargo last September. In the trunk, officers discovered methamphetamine, fentanyl, and a 9mm pistol. Poitra was wanted along with Dennis Salinas Jr. after a man was shot and injured at a house in Fargo on September 17.

  • The September 17, 2026 shooting incident left the victim with non-life-threatening injuries.
  • Poitra was arrested on multiple warrants when the vehicle he was hiding in was stopped in West Fargo last September.
  • A detention hearing for Poitra is scheduled for this Friday.

The players

Braden Poitra

A 24-year-old Moorhead resident who has been charged in federal court with being a felon in possession of a firearm, drug possession, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Dennis Salinas Jr.

Wanted along with Poitra after the September 2026 shooting incident in Fargo.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

A detention hearing for Poitra is scheduled for this Friday, where a judge will decide whether to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal process when a suspect faces both state and federal charges for the same alleged criminal acts, and the challenges law enforcement faces in addressing gun violence and drug trafficking in the Fargo-Moorhead region.