as barriers, which blocked the road for nearly three hours. In response, law enforcement officers and members of the South Dakota Air and Army National Guard were called in, leading to a skirmish between protestors and law enforcement. Some activists wore eagle feathers, beat drums and faced off with a line of air national guardsmen who were dressed in riot gear. No physical violence broke out but according to the county sheriff their actions were criminal, resulting in the arrest of 21 activists who faced charges of misdemeanors. Videos of the protest went viral, as did the “#landback” hashtag and with NDN collective's demands that the Black Hills be returned to the Lakota people and Mount Rushmore closed. Protesters described Mount Rushmore as “an international symbol of white supremacy." The assembly was declared unlawful by the county sheriff and 20 activists were arrested. After gaining national attention, Nick Tilsen, NDN Collective President and CEO, had all charges against him dropped. This followed in suit to all other Land Defenders arrested on July 3 who had also had their charges dismissed, much in part through the efforts of many social activists. Tens of thousands of advocates raised money for bail funds through donations. By way of petitions, social media movements, as well as news coverage, enough publicity was found to put pressure on the courts to liberate the Land Defenders. Though dismissed from his prison sentence, Tilsen was obligated to attend a diversion program in lieu of all but one of the many charges made against him. Tilsen has discussed his agenda to turn Mount Rushmore back to the tribes. According to an article done by Steven Groves, “prosecutors say that part of the program is admitting wrongdoing and ensuring that offenses don't happen again; however, Tilsen told the Associated Press he is not done pressing for changes to the monument and the Black Hills”. “Wherever you go to connect to God, that’s what the Black Hills are to the Lakota,” said Nick Tilsen, president of NDN Collective. The area, known as Paha Sapa — “the heart of everything that is” is sacred to the Lakota people. Nick Tilsen was charged with a combination of misdemeanors and felonies that could have led to 17 years in prison. Most charges were later dropped. Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic The event had a large crowd in attendance who did not social distance and