Rapid City, SD – Following a hung jury and mistrial of Nick Tilsen, NDN Collective held an online press conference to answer public questions today at 3:45pm MTN.
Tilsen confirmed that the trial concluded without a verdict due to a hung jury. He explained that the 12-person jury in Pennington County reached an impasse, unable to achieve the unanimous decision required for either a conviction or an acquittal.
“The mistrial was a result of a hung jury, and a hung jury means that they could not come to a consensus decision,” Tilsen said during the broadcast. “They were at an impasse, meaning that they could not all agree.”
While the trial has concluded, Tilsen noted that he remains under indictment. The Pennington County State-s Attorney-s Office now holds a 45-day window to decide whether to retry the case, seek a plea deal, or dismiss the charges. Tilsen expressed hope that prosecutors would choose not to move forward, citing the length of the case and the use of public resources.
“My hope is that they feel that they have expended enough of Pennington County taxpayer dollars on this effort to prosecute me,” Tilsen said. He encouraged local residents to contact county commissioners and the state-s attorney-s office to voice their opinions on a potential retrial.
Throughout the briefing, Tilsen emphasized the importance of “cop watches” – a practice of observing law enforcement to ensure community safety – which was a central theme of his defense. He argued that such actions create accountability for law enforcement and safer environments for the community.
Tilsen also addressed the jury composition, stating he did not believe there were self-identifying Native Americans on the jury, though he noted that jury questionnaires are not public information.
Despite the legal uncertainty of the next 45 days, Tilsen stated that NDN Collective would continue its work. This includes ongoing community patrolling in Minneapolis and the development of the Mniluzahan Community Development Corporation in Rapid City.
“I think when charges are brought against leaders of movements, it is often a strategy to discredit,” Tilsen said. “We have experienced the opposite here. We have experienced an outpouring of support.”
The press conference concluded with Tilsen thanking his legal team, Bruce Ellison and John Murphy, as well as his family and the elders who supported him throughout the week-long trial in Rapid City. He put a special focus on his family saying, “They did not sign up for this.”
