Charges Dismissed Against NDN Collective Founder Nick Tilsen

Jury could not reach a verdict after a three-day trial in January

Mar. 17, 2026 at 4:46pm

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Multiple charges against NDN Collective Founder Nick Tilsen have been dropped. Tilsen was charged with aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer, simple assault on a law enforcement officer, and obstruction, but a jury could not reach a verdict after a three-day trial in January. The state had 45 days to notify intentions to retry the case, but has now dismissed the charges.

Why it matters

NDN Collective is an Indigenous-rights organization, and Tilsen claims the charges against him were 'politically motivated'. This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and Indigenous activists, as well as the challenges of prosecuting high-profile political cases.

The details

Tilsen was charged with the crimes following an incident at a 2020 protest in Rapid City, South Dakota. After a three-day trial in January 2026, the jury was unable to reach a verdict. The state then had 45 days to decide whether to retry the case, but has now opted to dismiss the charges against Tilsen.

  • Tilsen was charged following an incident at a 2020 protest in Rapid City, South Dakota.
  • A three-day trial was held in January 2026, but the jury could not reach a verdict.
  • The state had 45 days to notify intentions to retry the case, but has now dismissed the charges.

The players

Nick Tilsen

Founder of the Indigenous-rights organization NDN Collective.

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What they’re saying

“My freedom was won by the people”

— Nick Tilsen

“The charges against me were politically motivated”

— Nick Tilsen

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and Indigenous activists, as well as the challenges of prosecuting high-profile political cases. The dismissal of the charges against Tilsen is seen as a victory for the Indigenous-rights movement, though the underlying issues that led to the charges remain unresolved.