Two people are dead, another person was hospitalized, and four suspects have been apprehended following a deadly shooting in New Town, North Dakota, that prompted authorities to issue an emergency shelter-in-place order Friday night.
The shooting occurred on September 25, 2026, in the New Town area of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.
Authorities initially warned residents in New Town and the nearby Four Bears area that armed individuals were believed to be on foot following the shooting.
A large law enforcement response followed as tribal, local, state and federal agencies searched the area.
By Saturday, officials confirmed that four suspects had been taken into custody and that there was no longer a known threat to the public.
The FBI is leading the investigation.
What Happened in the New Town Shooting?
The shooting happened Friday evening in the New Town area of North Dakota.
Details about exactly what led to the gunfire have not yet been publicly released.
Following the incident, MHA Emergency Operations issued an active-threat shelter-in-place order for residents of New Town and Four Bears.
The emergency warning said two males dressed in black were believed to be armed and on foot in the New Town area.
Residents were instructed to remain inside, lock their doors, stay away from windows and avoid travelling through the area.
People were also warned not to approach anyone matching the description provided by authorities.
Two People Confirmed Dead
The FBI later confirmed that two people were killed in the shooting.
Authorities have not yet publicly released the identities of the victims.
Officials said their names would be released after next of kin had been properly notified.
Until authorities make those identifications public, names circulating on social media should be treated cautiously.
The deaths have left the New Town and broader MHA Nation communities mourning as investigators work to determine what led to the violence.
Third Person Hospitalized
Authorities also confirmed that another person was injured during the incident.
The third victim was transported to Trinity Hospital in Minot for medical treatment.
Officials have not publicly released detailed information about that person’s injuries or current condition.
Further medical information may be released later depending on the wishes of the victim or their family.
Four Suspects Apprehended
Three Affiliated Tribes Law Enforcement Services announced Saturday afternoon that four suspects had been apprehended following the deadly shooting.
Authorities have not publicly released the suspects’ names, ages or details about the circumstances of their arrests.
It is also not yet clear what charges may be filed.
Because the investigation remains active, any individuals accused in connection with the shooting are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.
Additional information about possible charges may be released as investigators gather more evidence.
Shelter-in-Place Order Issued Friday Night
The shooting prompted an emergency shelter-in-place order at approximately 10:28 p.m. Friday.
The order covered the New Town and Four Bears areas.
Residents received a wireless emergency alert warning about an active threat.
Authorities advised people to:
- Stay inside their homes
- Lock doors
- Stay away from windows
- Avoid unnecessary travel
- Follow all law enforcement instructions
- Call 911 if they noticed suspicious activity
The warning remained in effect through the overnight hours.
Shelter-in-Place Order Lifted Saturday Morning
MHA Emergency Operations announced that the shelter-in-place order was lifted at approximately 6:10 a.m. Saturday, September 26.
Officials said there was no longer a known threat to public safety.
Residents were able to resume normal movement, although the investigation continued throughout the day.
Authorities later announced that four suspects had been apprehended.
FBI Leading the Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation into the shooting.
The FBI is working alongside the Three Affiliated Tribes Police Department and other tribal, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
The incident occurred on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, placing the investigation under federal jurisdiction through the Major Crimes Act.
Investigators are expected to examine physical evidence, witness statements and other information as they attempt to reconstruct what happened.
Where Did the Shooting Happen?
The shooting occurred in the New Town area of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota.
New Town is located within Mountrail County and serves as an important community within the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation.
The emergency warning also included the nearby Four Bears area.
Authorities have not yet publicly provided a precise street address for the shooting scene in the information released so far.
What Caused the New Town Shooting?
The circumstances that led to the deadly shooting remain under investigation.
Authorities have not yet announced a motive.
They have also not publicly explained whether the victims and suspects knew each other or what events immediately preceded the gunfire.
Investigators may examine several types of evidence, including:
- Witness interviews
- Firearms evidence
- Surveillance recordings
- Mobile phone information
- Physical evidence from the scene
- Statements from those taken into custody
Until investigators release further findings, claims about a motive should be treated as unverified.
New Town Public Schools Closed Monday
The effects of the tragedy have extended into the local school community.
New Town Public Schools announced that classes would be cancelled Monday, September 28, following the deadly shooting.
School officials said the closure would allow students, staff and families time to process what happened and support one another.
The decision reflects the significant emotional impact the shooting has had on the small community.
Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College Also Closes
Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College also announced that it would close Monday.
The college said normal operations were expected to resume Tuesday.
Counselling services were made available for students needing emotional support.
The college closure followed both the New Town shooting and the death of an elder within the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation.
MHA Nation Chairman Responds
MHA Nation Chairman Mark Fox issued a statement following the tragedy.
He said the Nation was grieving and thanked the tribal, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies involved in responding to the incident.
Public safety remains a priority while authorities continue investigating the shooting.
The response involved cooperation between multiple agencies as officers worked throughout the night and into Saturday.
Community Mourns After Deadly Shooting
The deaths have brought grief to New Town and surrounding communities.
Violent incidents can have a particularly significant effect on smaller communities where families, schools and local organizations often have close relationships with one another.
For the families of those killed, the tragedy represents a deeply personal loss.
The closure of local schools and the availability of counselling services highlight the wider emotional impact of the shooting.
Community members are expected to continue supporting the victims’ families as more information becomes available.
Are the Victims Identified?
Authorities have not publicly identified the two people who died.
The FBI said the identities would be released after next of kin were notified.
Until an official identification is announced, unverified names circulating online should not be presented as confirmed.
The identity of the injured person has also not been publicly released.
Are the Suspects Identified?
The four people apprehended following the shooting have not been publicly identified in the latest official information.
Authorities have also not announced the specific criminal charges they may face.
The FBI and its law enforcement partners continue investigating their alleged roles in the incident.
More details may become available through official law enforcement announcements or court filings.
Is There Still a Threat in New Town?
Authorities say there is no known threat to the public at this time.
The shelter-in-place order was lifted Saturday morning.
Residents should nevertheless continue following official instructions if authorities release new information connected with the investigation.
Latest New Town Shooting Update
The main confirmed developments currently include:
- A shooting occurred Friday night, September 25, 2026.
- The incident happened in the New Town area of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.
- Two people were killed.
- A third person was transported to Trinity Hospital in Minot.
- An emergency shelter-in-place order was issued for New Town and Four Bears.
- The shelter-in-place order was lifted at 6:10 a.m. Saturday.
- Four suspects were later apprehended.
- Authorities say there is no known ongoing threat to the public.
- The FBI is leading the investigation.
- New Town Public Schools will be closed Monday.
- Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College also announced a Monday closure.
- The identities of the victims and suspects have not yet been publicly released.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was there a shooting in New Town, North Dakota?
Yes. A deadly shooting occurred in New Town on Friday night, September 25, 2026.
How many people died in the New Town shooting?
Authorities have confirmed that two people were killed.
Was anyone else injured?
Yes. A third person was transported to Trinity Hospital in Minot for treatment.
How many suspects are in custody?
Authorities announced that four suspects had been apprehended.
Who are the New Town shooting victims?
Their identities have not yet been publicly released pending notification of their families.
Who are the suspects?
Authorities have not publicly identified the four suspects in the latest information released.
Was there a shelter-in-place order?
Yes. Residents of New Town and Four Bears were ordered to shelter in place Friday night.
Has the shelter-in-place order been lifted?
Yes. The order was lifted at approximately 6:10 a.m. Saturday.
Is New Town safe now?
Authorities say there is currently no known threat to the public.
Who is investigating the shooting?
The FBI is leading the investigation with assistance from tribal, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Will New Town schools be open Monday?
No. New Town Public Schools announced that schools will be closed Monday, September 28.
Conclusion
The New Town community is mourning after a Friday night shooting left two people dead and another person injured on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.
The incident triggered an overnight shelter-in-place order across New Town and Four Bears as authorities searched for armed individuals.
The emergency order was lifted Saturday morning, and four suspects were later apprehended.
Authorities say there is no longer a known threat to the public.
The FBI is now leading the investigation as officials work to determine what caused the shooting and what role each suspect allegedly played.
The victims’ identities have not yet been publicly released, and additional details are expected as the investigation continues.