The MHA Nation is mourning after a Friday night shooting in New Town on the Fort Berthold Reservation left two people dead and one injured. One deceased has been identified as 23-year-old Marc Smith Jr.; the injured victim was taken to Trinity Hospital in Minot. A shelter-in-place issued late Friday was lifted early Saturday, and authorities later confirmed four suspects were arrested. The FBI is leading the investigation under the Major Crimes Act while tribal and other agencies assist; schools and Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College closed Monday with counseling available.
Two Dead, One Injured in New Town Shooting on Fort Berthold Reservation — Four Suspects Arrested
The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara (MHA) Nation is grieving after a Friday evening shooting in New Town, North Dakota, on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation left two people dead and a third person wounded.
The injured victim was transported to Trinity Hospital in Minot. One of the deceased has been publicly identified as Marc Smith Jr., 23, of New Town; authorities have not released the name of the second person who was killed.
Shortly after the shooting, Three Affiliated Tribes Law Enforcement Services issued a shelter-in-place for New Town and the nearby Four Bears area while officers searched for armed suspects. The MHA Emergency Operations Center initially reported that two armed men dressed in black were believed to be on foot in the New Town area.
The shelter-in-place order was issued at approximately 10:28 p.m. Friday and lifted at 6:10 a.m. Saturday after authorities determined the immediate threat to public safety had passed. Officials later confirmed that four suspects were apprehended in connection with the incident.
Investigation and Response
The FBI is leading the investigation under the Major Crimes Act, working alongside tribal law enforcement and other local, state and federal partners. Tribal chairman Mark Fox said the Nation is mourning the loss and thanked all responding agencies; he emphasized that public safety remains a top priority while the investigation continues.
Community Impact
The shooting prompted disruptions to local education. New Town Public Schools announced classes will be canceled on Monday, September 28, to allow students, staff and families time to process and support one another. Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College also closed Monday and made counseling services available to students, with normal operations expected to resume on Tuesday.
The investigation is ongoing. Authorities have not released further details about what led to the shooting or the identities of those arrested; updates will be provided as they become available.
Note: Tribal and federal officials continue to coordinate the inquiry and have asked the public to follow official channels for verified information.
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