AIM took place what seemed like forever ago and many have forgotten it, but it was still a part of history.
Accidents happen. This seems to be a common phrase used so often and by so many individuals, that it often loses its general meaning. What qualifies as an accident? Because it’s “just an accident,” does that mean no one is to blame? These are some of the questions that were asked after the incident that occurred at Oglala. This tragedy started with a pair of cowboy boots and a movement called AIM; it ended with three dead, two tried, and one left in prison.
June 26, 1975, a tragic incident occurred on an Indian reservation in South Dakota. Two FBI special agents, Jack R. Coler and Ronald A. Williams, were in pursuit of a suspect by the name of Billy Eagle. This man was said to have stolen a pair of cowboy boots so, while in hot pursuit, the agents followed Eagle onto The Jumping Bull Compound. While in pursuit of the suspect, the agents reported to officers in the area. The agents reported being in pursuit of a red truck going in, but they never came out.
During this time period, the American Indian Movement (AIM) was taking place. A corrupt man was governing the reservation and crime rates were higher than ever. No one believed that they were safe reported a reservation resident, “It came down to that we all took shifts watching during the night and if a car came and didn’t blink its headlights right, you assumed that they were coming to kill you.” A brute squad was hired by this corrupt ruler, and was often sent out to scare the natives into submission. Murder rates were higher than ever, and almost everyone owned a gun. The people were terrified, and two cars had come flying into their compound.
Once at The Jumping Bull Compound, the agents proceeded to leave their cars. A shower of long-range gunfire met them. Agent Kohler was hit first, followed soon after by Agent Williams. During this destruction a Native American AIM member was also shot and instantly killed. After the firing ceased, agents Kohler and Williams were no longer breathing. The whole incident took mere minutes, yet it had taken three lives.
The government went after four Native Americans who were all on the compound-and armed- at the time of the shooting. All four were active AIM members at the time of the incident. These individuals were, James Eagle, Darrelle Butler, Bob Robideau and Leonard Peltier. James Eagle’s charges were dropped based on insufficient evidence, but the other charges held firm. Darrelle Butler and Bob Robideau were tried in Iowa and both were found not guilty.
However, Leonard Peltier fled to Canada in hopes of starting a new life there. But the government wasn’t ready to let go. He fought extradition, but eventually he was brought back on justification by the means of strong affidavits. These were later admitted by the government prosecutors to be coerced lies. Peltier was tried by a different judge/jury and was found guilty; he is still serving his two consecutive life sentences in prison today. The government brought forth numerous falsehoods against Peltier including a bullet supposedly shot from his gun in order to make a more compelling case. These fictions were warranted by many people in the name of justice. According to them, two FBI agents were killed, and someone had to pay. Unfortunately, that someone was Leonard Peltier. The Native American community saw this sentencing as a form of prejudice against their people. Peltier’s family and the Native American community has constantly been fighting for appeals in Leonard’s favor. Many think that this man’s only crime is being a member of AIM and being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Two FBI agents who weren’t identified as being such haphazardly drove into an unsafe area where people were terrified for their lives. They were committing suicide driving into that compound. The only reason Peltier was convicted was so someone would pay for the lives lost that day. Leonard Peltier may not be innocent of killing those men, but he is not a malicious killer either, and he doesn’t deserve to spend the rest of his life in prison for a mere misunderstanding. In my opinion, Billy Eagle really just shouldn’t have stolen those boots.
June 26, 1975 was a sad day for many. On one side, the Williams and the Kohlers lost a family member; on the other side, the Native American community lost two of their own as well. The case of Leonard Peltier has been up for debate for decades. He has been denied numerous appeals and more people take his side every year. However I do not think that this case is as black and white as everyone sees it. This entire incident could have been avoided; instead, it has ruined the lives of many.
For more information on this tragedy watch the documentary; Incident at Oglala
