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SLC man goes to join protest in North Dakota against pipeline

Posted at 10:31 PM, Oct 31, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-01 09:18:54-04

SALT LAKE CITY -- Ryan Keating packed up his car, Monday, with supplies and to head to North Dakota bright and early to join the fight against the pipeline.

"We’re seeing imperialism, we’re seeing the military confronting populations within in our own borders," Keating said.

Citing concerns about climate change and the plight of the Standing Rock Tribe, Keating is willing to take the risk.

"I’m not going to be confrontational, I’m not going to be pepper sprayed, I know that might happen," Keating said.

Keating isn't the only Utahn willing to take risks for this cause. Dozens of demonstrators walked along Main Street in Salt Lake City to peacefully protest at the Wells Fargo Center, which is backing the $3.8 billion pipeline. When they were asked to leave, some chained themselves together and refused, leading to eight arrests and one citation.

Thousands of others are expressing solidarity through social media. On Monday, many were checking in on Facebook, saying they were at the Standing Rock Reservation in an attempt to throw police off the trail of protesters.

Keating believes this cause is resonating here in Utah and around the country because people are frustrated with the current political climate and want to feel inspired.

"I think people just really want to care again," Keating said.

Keating will be writing about his experience on his blog, https://theavidfan.wordpress.com/.