The Chicago Bears seem to be finishing their 2016 season in style by getting hammered by the Minnesota Vikings. Not a surprise give very few of their starters even suited up for the game. However, that doesn’t mean interesting things aren’t happening. In fact there was quite a little side action that nobody saw coming.
Two unknown men wearing Vikings paraphernalia scaled the rafters of the stadium. One of them rapelled down from the roof and together they unveiled a large banner protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline. Needless to say its drawing lots of attention.
There are two men hanging from the rafters of U.S. Bank Stadium. pic.twitter.com/xKsFTDaDRq
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) January 1, 2017
Here's a better look at what's going on. There's a guy near the top of the banner and one near the bottom. pic.twitter.com/7m9Xg4ZrKp
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) January 1, 2017
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This appears to be a Dakota Access Pipeline protest.
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) January 1, 2017
Appears to be #NoDAPL protestors. Infinitely more interesting than the game.
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) January 1, 2017
Was just emailed this press release about the protest at US Bank Stadium. pic.twitter.com/kQ4lxA1hOl
— Matt Vensel (@mattvensel) January 1, 2017
Police going up to get them now. I'm told they're protesting something. No confirmation though. But they're not supposed to be there pic.twitter.com/0u50bs4gzL
— Evan FitzgeraldFox35 (@EvanWFitzgerald) January 1, 2017
This standoff between the Sioux Indians and the Energy Transfer Partners. It escalated a couple months ago when protesters clashes in often frigid conditions with militarized police forces. Everything from fire hoses to tear gas was used in an attempt to disperse the crowds. The tribe stood their ground and soon started gaining support from people around the country. It’s gotten to a point where the two sides are deadlocked.
Security is in the process of removing the two men from the arena so they won’t endanger both themselves and the patrons below. No doubt this could be the start of something more widespread in the near future.
