BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A New York City woman who suffered a serious arm injury while protesting the Dakota Access oil pipeline in North Dakota is suing the federal government to obtain evidence.
Sophia Wilansky’s lawsuit seeks either the return of shrapnel and clothing taken from her while she was hospitalized following her November 2016 injury, or an opportunity to have it analyzed by a forensic scientist she hired.
Wilansky’s father, Wayne Wilansky, has told The Associated Press that his daughter plans to sue law enforcement for money damages, and that the evidence could bolster the case.
Sophia Wilansky suffered a left arm injury in an explosion and has had several surgeries. Protesters allege the blast was caused by a police concussion grenade. Police maintain it was caused by a propane canister protesters rigged to explode.