In response to a tragic incident that resulted in the death of a tribal police officer and the injury of another, the Gila River Indian Community has announced a temporary ban on dances, tribal officials revealed on Sunday.

The council swiftly approved the moratorium on all permitted and non-permitted dances within the community, effective immediately. Alongside the ban, enhanced penalties for trespassing and disorderly conduct were also put in place.

Details surrounding the fatal shooting are limited, as the Phoenix FBI has taken charge of the investigation. The incident occurred during a reported disturbance at a home in Santan, one of the seven districts within the Gila River Indian Community.

Responding to a 911 call regarding a large crowd, Officer Joshua Briese, who had only been with the Gila River Police Department for less than a year and had not yet finished field training, arrived at the scene along with another tribal police officer at approximately 2 a.m. on Saturday. Multiple gunshots were fired, resulting in both officers being struck, as well as four other individuals sustaining injuries.

Tragically, Briese succumbed to his injuries after being rushed to a nearby hospital, while the other wounded officer, whose identity has not been disclosed, remains in serious but stable condition, according to authorities. One of the four injured individuals also tragically passed away. As of now, the names of the victims have not been disclosed.

At the age of 23, Briese followed in his late father's footsteps, who was a former sheriff's deputy in Montana. David Briese, Joshua's father, tragically lost his life in November 2006 during a car crash. Reports indicate that David Briese was responding to a backup call for an officer dealing with a combative impaired driver in Billings, Montana, at the time of the incident.

The Gila River Indian Community mourns the loss of Officer Joshua Briese and expresses condolences to his family. The temporary ban on dances serves as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of the community, allowing time for investigation and reflection on the tragic event that occurred.