Washington –
“Last week, the Cedarville Rancheria experienced a terrible tragedy. Three tribal members, one tribal employee were killed and two tribal members were seriously injured, leaving the community aggrieved and in shock.
Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the survivors, family members of the victims, the Cedarville Tribe and the surrounding community at this difficult time. The Bureau of Indian Affairs had people on the ground in Alturas the day after the incident and has assisted the tribe with continuity of government operation. Tribes around the nation have responded with an outpouring of support and offers of assistance.
Tribes are, by necessity, very resilient and we are confident that the Cedarville Rancheria will survive this tragedy.
The Cedarville tribal government will continue to govern, will rebuild their community and they have already taken steps to start the process of healing.
This event has made my commitment to increasing public safety throughout Indian Country even stronger. ”
