Band of Kiowas Attempt to Halt Tribal Election
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CARNEGIE, Okla. — Dissident Indians chanting “Praise the Lord” faced federal police officers Friday who took up posts outside their tribal headquarters, but the protesters refused to abandon their two-day takeover of the complex.
The band of Kiowa Indians, led by Herschel Sahmaunt, occupied the complex before sunrise Thursday in a peaceful attempt to stop a tribal election scheduled for today.
Bureau of Indian Affairs officials said they stationed officers outside the complex for security purposes only and had no plans to try to force the Indians out.
Sahmaunt, who was elected chairman in June but was later disqualified, said Friday the new election is illegal.
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