Two people have died and a third person was hospitalized following a deadly shooting in New Town, North Dakota, that prompted authorities to order residents in New Town and Four Bears to shelter in place Friday night.
The shooting occurred on September 25, 2026, on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.
Authorities initially warned residents that armed individuals were believed to be on foot in the area, triggering a significant law enforcement response and an overnight shelter-in-place order.
The emergency order was lifted Saturday morning after authorities determined there was no longer a known threat to the public.
Four suspects have since been apprehended, while the FBI continues to lead the investigation.
What Happened in the New Town Shooting?
The shooting occurred Friday evening in the New Town area.
Authorities have not yet provided a complete public account of what happened before the gunfire or what may have led to the deadly incident.
Following the shooting, MHA Emergency Operations issued an active-threat warning covering New Town and Four Bears.
The emergency alert said two males dressed in black were believed to be armed and on foot in the New Town area.
Residents were advised to stay indoors, lock their doors and remain away from windows.
People outside the affected area were also told to avoid New Town and follow instructions from law enforcement.
Two People Killed in New Town
The FBI later confirmed that two people were killed in the shooting.
Their identities had not yet been publicly released at the time of publication.
Authorities said the victims’ names would be announced after their next of kin were notified.
Until official identification is released, names circulating online should not be treated as confirmed.
The deaths have brought grief to New Town and the wider Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation community.
Third Victim Taken to Hospital
A third person was injured during the incident.
Authorities said the victim was transported to Trinity Hospital in Minot for medical treatment.
Detailed information about the injured person’s condition has not been publicly released.
It is also unclear whether additional medical updates will be made available.
Four Suspects Apprehended
Three Affiliated Tribes Law Enforcement Services later confirmed that four suspects had been apprehended in connection with the shooting.
Authorities have not publicly identified the four individuals.
Details surrounding their apprehension, ages and possible charges were also not immediately released.
Because the investigation remains active, information about each suspect’s alleged involvement may emerge through law enforcement announcements or future court proceedings.
Anyone accused of a crime is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Shelter-in-Place Order Issued
The deadly shooting prompted authorities to issue an emergency shelter-in-place order at approximately 10:28 p.m. Friday.
The order applied to people in New Town and the Four Bears area.
Residents were instructed to:
- Remain inside
- Lock their doors
- Stay away from windows
- Avoid unnecessary travel
- Follow law enforcement instructions
- Call police if they noticed suspicious activity
Officials warned people not to approach the armed individuals described in the emergency alert.
A wireless emergency notification was also sent to people within the affected area.
Shelter-in-Place Order Lifted Saturday
The shelter-in-place order remained in effect overnight.
MHA Emergency Operations announced that the order was lifted at approximately 6:10 a.m. Saturday, September 26.
Officials said there was no further active threat to public safety.
The lifting of the order allowed residents to resume normal movement while investigators continued working throughout the area.
Authorities later confirmed that four suspects had been apprehended.
Is There Still a Threat to New Town Residents?
Authorities have said there is currently no known threat to the public associated with the shooting.
The emergency shelter-in-place order has been cancelled.
However, residents should continue following instructions from tribal and federal authorities if additional information is released.
The criminal investigation itself remains active.
FBI Leading the Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation into the New Town shooting.
The FBI is working alongside the Three Affiliated Tribes Police Department and other tribal, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Federal authorities are involved because the shooting happened on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.
Investigators are expected to examine evidence from the shooting scene, interview witnesses and determine what led to the violence.
What Caused the New Town Shooting?
A motive for the shooting has not yet been publicly confirmed.
Authorities have not explained whether the victims and suspects knew each other or what events immediately preceded the shooting.
Investigators may examine:
- Witness statements
- Firearms and ballistic evidence
- Surveillance footage
- Mobile phone data
- Physical evidence from the scene
- Statements from the suspects
- Possible relationships between those involved
Until those findings are released, claims about what caused the shooting should be treated as speculation.
Victims Have Not Yet Been Identified
The names of the two people who died have not been publicly released.
Authorities said notification of their families must take place before their identities are announced.
The name of the injured victim also remains undisclosed.
Families should be given time and privacy before personal information surrounding those affected is shared publicly.
New Town Public Schools Close After Shooting
New Town Public Schools announced that there would be no school on Monday, September 28, following the deadly incident.
School officials said the closure would provide students, employees and families with time to process what happened and support one another.
A violent event can have a significant emotional effect on a small community, especially when students or families may know people connected to the incident.
Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College Also Closes
Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College also announced plans to close Monday.
Normal operations were expected to resume Tuesday.
Counseling services were made available to students needing additional support.
The college said the closure followed the shooting as well as the separate death of an elder within the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation.
MHA Nation Responds to Deadly Shooting
MHA Nation Chairman Mark Fox issued a statement following the incident.
He acknowledged the grief facing the Nation and thanked tribal, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies involved in the response.
Public safety remained a priority as authorities continued investigating.
The coordinated response involved multiple agencies working overnight to locate individuals believed to be involved and protect residents.
Community Mourns After New Town Shooting
The New Town shooting has had a significant impact across the community.
For relatives of the victims, the incident represents a devastating and deeply personal loss.
For other residents, the emergency shelter-in-place order and warnings about armed individuals created hours of uncertainty.
Schools and community organizations are now providing space for people to process the tragedy.
Additional memorial or family information may emerge once the victims have been officially identified.
Latest New Town Shooting Update
The confirmed information currently includes:
- The shooting happened Friday night, September 25, 2026.
- The incident occurred in the New Town area on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.
- Two people were killed.
- A third person was injured.
- The injured victim was transported to Trinity Hospital in Minot.
- New Town and Four Bears were placed under a shelter-in-place order.
- The order was issued at approximately 10:28 p.m.
- The shelter-in-place order was lifted at approximately 6:10 a.m. Saturday.
- Authorities say there is no known continuing threat to the public.
- Four suspects have been apprehended.
- The FBI is leading the investigation.
- The victims have not yet been publicly identified.
- New Town Public Schools will be closed Monday.
- Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College will also be closed Monday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was there a shooting in New Town, North Dakota?
Yes. A deadly shooting occurred Friday night in New Town on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.
How many people died in the New Town shooting?
Two people have been confirmed dead.
Was anyone else injured?
Yes. A third victim was transported to Trinity Hospital in Minot for treatment.
Has anyone been arrested?
Authorities said four suspects were apprehended following the shooting.
Who were the victims?
The identities of the two people killed have not yet been publicly released.
Why was there a shelter-in-place order?
Authorities initially believed armed individuals were on foot following the shooting and warned residents to remain indoors.
Has the shelter-in-place order been lifted?
Yes. The order was lifted at approximately 6:10 a.m. Saturday.
Is there still an active threat?
Authorities say there is currently no known threat to the public.
Who is investigating the New Town shooting?
The FBI is leading the investigation with assistance from tribal, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
What caused the shooting?
Authorities have not yet publicly announced a motive or complete account of what led to the shooting.
Conclusion
Two people are dead and another person was injured following a Friday night shooting in New Town, North Dakota, that led authorities to issue an overnight shelter-in-place order.
Residents of New Town and Four Bears were told to remain inside while law enforcement searched for armed individuals believed to be in the area.
The order was lifted Saturday morning after authorities determined there was no longer an active threat.
Four suspects have since been apprehended, and the FBI is leading the continuing investigation.
The victims have not yet been publicly identified, and authorities have not disclosed a motive for the shooting.
Further updates are expected as investigators determine exactly what happened and the legal process involving the suspects moves forward.