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Minnesota

3 released in pipeline stadium protest

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Three people who were arrested after Dakota Access pipeline protesters rappelled from the roof of the Minnesota Vikings’ stadium to unfurl a banner were released from jail Monday with charges pending.

The Vikings’ season finale against the Chicago Bears was not interrupted by the protest Sunday, but eight rows of fans seated below the banner at U.S. Bank Stadium were cleared as a precaution.

The banner urged Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank to divest from the four-state, $3.8 billion pipeline. Opponents contend the pipeline could affect drinking water and Native American artifacts. Texas-based developer Energy Transfer Partners says the pipeline will be safe.

Minneapolis police spokesman Officer Corey Schmidt said a 32-year-old man and 26-year-old woman were arrested Sunday for allegedly sneaking up on a truss connected to the roof and rappelling down to unfurl the huge banner. Schmidt declined to discuss the alleged role of a third person who was arrested, a 27-year-old woman, citing the ongoing investigation.

Schmidt said a complaint with formal charges is expected to be filed Tuesday.

The Hennepin County Jail roster shows all three suspects were released from custody Monday.

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