FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 26, 2025
Rapid City, SD – Today was day one of a planned three day trial involving Nick Tilsen, Founder & CEO of NDN Collective.
The courtroom was packed with supporters of Nick Tilsen from the local community, including matriarchs like Madonna Thunder Hawk. Photos of supporters outside the courtroom can be viewed here.
After jury selection, both parties gave opening statements. Nicholas Glass, the police officer involved in the incident, then took the stand and described the events of the night. The prosecutor’s office played body cam footage, dash cam footage, and footage from a nearby business, focusing primarily on a moment when Nick pulled his truck into the parking space.
Tomorrow, Nick’s lawyers will cross examine Glass. A verdict is expected by the jury by Wednesday evening.
“We are looking forward to the opportunity to witness Nick’s side of the story in court,” said Norma Rendon, elder and community leader.
Last week, Rapid City community members delivered nearly 22,000 petition signatures to the Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office, which called for the charges against Nick to be dropped. Additionally, 547 organizational leaders signed a letter of support for Nick over the weekend.
###
NDN Collective is an Indigenous-led organization dedicated to building Indigenous power. Through organizing, activism, philanthropy, grantmaking, capacity-building, and narrative change, we are creating sustainable solutions on Indigenous terms.
