PINE RIDGE, S.D. - A 56-year-old man died following a shooting at a powwow in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Francis Thomas “Tom” Thunder Hawk Jr. died after being shot at the Oglala Nation Wacipi on Friday, Aug. 2.

“Our son was having a conflict with another individual who shot him,” Thunder Hawk’s significant other and mother of six of his children, Tracey Coleman, said. “When my son was there at the powwow with his dad, the bullets were meant for our son. His dad went over there, and he was the one who was shot.”

  Francis Thomas “Tom” Thunder Hawk Jr.

 

After Thunder Hawk was shot, he was airlifted to Monument Hospital in Rapid City where he died. The suspect was arrested after authorities found him in a vehicle trying to leave the powwow, according to Oglala Sioux Tribe President Frank Star Comes Out.

“The individual knew what he was going to the powwow for. Tribal police were informed about threats being made to us. They had threatened before to kill our son, his dad and damage our house. They even graffitied our house before,” Coleman said.

Despite the shooting, the powwow continued. President Star Comes Out said that event organizers and law enforcement added more safety measures, including detection devices, increased security and better lighting.

“We want to emphasize that the incident that happened was an isolated incident. It had nothing to do with a mass shooting,” Star Comes Out said in a social media video.

Coleman expressed gratitude for the support from tribal representatives, including President Star Comes Out, who visited Thunder Hawk in the hospital.

“Tom was a traditional powwow singer. He knew his culture. He was very strong in our tradition, and he took pride in that,” Coleman said through tears.

Thunder Hawk was asked to be a drum keeper during this year’s powwow. Coleman also said that he was excited to watch his daughter perform as a jingle dress dancer this year.

 

  Thunder Hawk with daughter

 

“He loved his kids and was a dedicated father to his children. His life revolved around our children,” Coleman said. “He’s also a grandpa. He was a wonderful grandpa and adored his grandchildren.”