Relatives mourn fatal shooting of man who intervened in clash during iconic Oglala Nation powwow

Family members began posting on social media Sunday afternoon in response to the death of Tom Thunderhawk who was shot at one of the biggest Lakota powwows in Indian Country. He died approximately 36 hours after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds during the Oglala Nation Wacipi on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

“My dad made his journey to the spirit world,” social media account holder Staccs Thunder Hawk posted around 1 p.m. on Sunday. His 57-year-old father was at Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City, S.D. after a Friday night shooting, according to tribal police. The hospital deemed him in critical condition on Saturday.

“To all my relatives in ceremony right now, pray for my father-in-law,” posted Debra Martin. The social media post said Thunder Hawk is a well-known singer and drum keeper, father, son, brother and grandfather. Martin also wrote “he was only protecting his son.” The post ended with: “#NOMOREGUNVIOLENCE!!!

The 2024 annual Oglala Nation Wacipi halted abruptly Friday evening when a shooting broke out during a traditional girls’ powwow dance contest. Authorities said it was not an attempted mass killing, as some feared.

The Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety reported, the incident is still under investigation, and there is no danger to the public at this time.

Eyewitnesses said veterans and police officers tended to Thunder Hawk’s multiple gunshot wounds before ambulance workers transported him to the Pine Ridge Hospital emergency room. A life flight airlifted him from Pine Ridge to Rapid City, tribal police reported. On Saturday, Monument Health personnel told Buffalo’s Fire that Thunder Hawk was in critical condition. At 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, the hospital confirmed to Buffalo’s Fire that Thunder Hawk was no longer there.

The OST-DPS issued a statement noting around 10:20 p.m. on Friday that a confrontation occurred between several males at the powwow grounds in Pine Ridge Agency. As Thunder Hawk intervened, he was shot. The suspect fled the scene on foot but was later apprehended. Thunder Hawk is a known singer and drummer.

Oglala Sioux Tribal President Frank Star Comes Out said he had visited with family members. While he asked people to pray for the family, he said the Aug. 1-4 powwow would continue as scheduled. The shooting sparked panic among many participants who ran for cover after hearing the gunshots.

Star Comes Out stated that the “suspect was quickly identified and arrested,” he said. The tribal police did not release the shooter’s name, but many have identified him as a teenager.

Fear quickly spread after seven gunshot blasts were heard. Bystanders also witnessed the shooting in the space between the arbor and vendor stands. In this Facebook, Reel, dancers flee from the circle during an evening traditional dance competition. A mother can be heard yelling. While many people returned to the powwow the next day, some chose to stay away. 

The Oglala Nation Wačipi and Fair attracts thousands of dancers, singers and an international audience. Everyone involved embraces the social and cultural event as a reinforcement of family ties and tribal values, which is why the shooting shocked the powwow community.

During a KILI Radio broadcast from the powwow on Saturday, Ace No Braid, arena director, said the shooting incident was a “wake-up call for the people.” He said it wasn’t a wake-up call specific to the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council or the tribal police but “the people.”

References:

Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety social media announcement 

https://www.facebook.com/OSTDPSHWYS

OST Tribal President Frank Star Comes Out

Statement on Oglala Nation Pow Wow Grounds Shooting

https://www.facebook.com/THEOGLALANATION