300 rally in support of officers policing pipeline protests

Several hundred people gathered at the state Capitol to show support for law enforcement officers working the Dakota Access Pipeline protests.

Republican Sen. John Hoeven told the crowd Sunday afternoon that exercising First Amendment rights should be done peacefully. Hoeven says the officers are working to protect the right to protest, as well as the farmers, ranchers and others in the area.

The Bismarck Tribune reports Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley and Rep. Kevin Cramer joined Hoeven at the rally. Hoeven cited the law enforcement agencies involved since August, including federal agents, the National Guard, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, highway patrol, sheriff's departments and police.

Tribal leaders, civil liberties groups and protesters have criticized law enforcement for being too heavy handed in their approach to demonstrators.