MANDAN, N.D. (AP) — The county sheriff who led the law enforcement response to the Dakota Access oil pipeline protest in North Dakota says he’ll seek a second term in office.

MANDAN, N.D. (AP) — The county sheriff who led the law enforcement response to the Dakota Access oil pipeline protest in North Dakota says he’ll seek a second term in office.

The Bismarck Tribune reports that Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier made his announcement Thursday.

Kirchmeier first sought the sheriff’s position in 2014 after 29 years with the state Highway Patrol. In 2016 and 2017 he led the response to the pipeline protests that drew thousands of people and resulted in 761 arrests over a six-month span.

Kirchmeier says some of his plans for the sheriff’s office were delayed by the prolonged protest, and he wants to continue serving.

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Information from: Bismarck Tribune, http://www.bismarcktribune.com