NEW TOWN, N.D. — Two people were killed and another was injured following a shooting in New Town on Friday night, September 25, prompting an overnight shelter-in-place order and a major response involving tribal, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

The incident began at approximately 9:56 p.m., when Three Affiliated Tribes Law Enforcement Services (TATLES) responded to a medical call involving three people who had reportedly been shot.

According to an official public service announcement, two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third person was transported to Trinity Hospital in Minot for treatment.

Authorities had not publicly confirmed the identities of the victims in the information available at the time of publication.

Two People Killed in New Town Shooting

Information provided to this report identified the two people who were reportedly killed as Travis Smith and his son, Mark Smith.

A third person, identified in the information as Marie Church, was reportedly injured in the shooting and transported to the hospital.

However, officials had not independently confirmed those names at the time of publication. The identities should therefore be treated as preliminary until released by authorities or the victims’ families.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting, including what led to the violence, remain under investigation.

Shelter-in-Place Order Issued

Following the shooting, authorities issued an active-threat shelter-in-place order covering New Town and Four Bears.

According to information released by MHA Emergency Operations, two males reportedly dressed in black were believed to be armed and on foot in the New Town area.

A significant police presence was reported around the Northern Lights and Sand Hill areas as officers searched for individuals believed to be connected to the incident.

Emergency dispatch traffic indicated that an initial responding officer reported one person down before subsequently reporting that there were two people down and requesting an ambulance and additional responders.

Multiple Law Enforcement Agencies Respond

The response involved numerous agencies as authorities worked to secure the community and locate individuals potentially connected to the shooting.

TATLES received assistance from:

• Mountrail County Sheriff’s Office

• McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office

• New Town City Police Department

• Bureau of Indian Affairs

• MHA Drug Enforcement

• FBI

• Joint Special Operations Team

• McLean County Sheriff’s Office

Authorities later announced that four identified suspects had been apprehended.

The FBI is the primary investigative agency, with tribal, local, state and federal agencies assisting with the investigation.

Preliminary information from a law enforcement source indicated that approximately five people may have been taken into custody during the overnight response. However, officials cautioned that the precise involvement of each person had not immediately been established.

Shelter-in-Place Order Lifted

The shelter-in-place order remained in effect overnight as authorities continued their investigation and worked to determine whether any further threat remained.

The order was lifted at approximately 6:10 a.m. Saturday.

The MHA Emergency Operations Center said there was no further known threat to public safety at that time.

Residents were nevertheless encouraged to remain alert and report suspicious activity to authorities.

Anyone encountering a potentially dangerous person was advised not to approach and instead contact law enforcement by calling 701-627-3617 or 911.

New Town Schools Cancel Monday Classes

The New Town Public School District announced that classes would not be held on Monday, September 28, following the Friday night shooting.

School officials said the decision was made in the best interests of students and staff and would provide families and the wider community with time to process the events and support one another.

The district expressed sympathy to those affected and encouraged members of the community to care for one another and seek support when needed.

Investigation Into New Town Shooting Continues

The investigation remains active as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting, identify those responsible and determine the involvement of individuals taken into custody.

Officials are also expected to provide additional information concerning the victims and the events that led to the fatal shooting.

Because the investigation is ongoing, details may change as authorities verify information and release further findings.

New Town Shooting Details

Latest Update

Two people were killed and a third person was injured in the New Town shooting, according to preliminary information released following the incident.

An overnight shelter-in-place order was lifted Saturday morning after authorities determined there was no further known threat to public safety.

Several individuals were taken into custody, although the exact involvement of each person had not been established in the preliminary information available.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional official information is expected as authorities continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Disclaimer: This report is based on preliminary information concerning the September 25, 2026 shooting in New Town. The names of the victims, number and identities of people taken into custody, and other details should be considered unconfirmed unless independently released by appropriate authorities or the victims’ families. Allegations against any person remain subject to the ongoing investigation and applicable legal proceedings. Information here is for general information purposes only.