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On Monday, The Paper. was the first news outlet to report on an incident involving a Native American man who was Tased by a National Park Service ranger at a national monument outside Albuquerque.
VIDEO: Park Ranger Tases Native Man Visiting Sacred Site at Petroglyph National Monument
Congresswoman Deb Haaland, who made history as one of the first Native American women in Congress and President-Elect Biden’s nominee to head the department overseeing the Park Service, has now called for an investigation.
“Congresswoman Deb Haaland is aware of the incident at Petroglyphs National Monument. The Congresswoman believes that any abuse of force is unacceptable and that this incident should be thoroughly investigated,” a spokesperson confirmed to The Paper late Monday.
“The Congresswoman has alerted the Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee so proper oversight is conducted, especially considering the cultural significance of the site.”
Haaland herself could ultimately be involved in that investigation. The Park Service is housed within the U.S. Department of Interior which currently reports to Secretary David Bernhardt, a Trump appointee. But in less than a month, that job could go to New Mexico Congresswoman Deb Haaland, who has been nominated by the president-elect to lead the department.
Coincidentally, Haaland currently represents the district including Petroglyph National Monument. If appointed, she will be the first Native American to ever hold a cabinet-level position. An investigation into the incident, if it occurs, could ultimately land on Haaland’s desk next year.
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This is beyond the pale. To be tased three times and then put in handcuffs for walking off the trail to pray, to put up no resistance, and be treated criminally by the park ranger, is pretty damn overkill. Have we ever heard of a polite warning? If it had been me ( a white woman) I am sure I would not have been treated that way. I hope Mr. House takes legal action. Rep. Haaland, when you are in charge of Interior, I hope you have some common sense control brought to bear on how we treat our citizens.