Think Out Loud

New study finds Indigenous people more likely to be killed by police on or near reservations

By Rolando Hernandez (OPB)
April 30, 2026 3:52 p.m.

Broadcast: Thursday, April 30

Roughly three out of four Indigenous people killed by police were on or within 10 miles of reservations. That’s according to a new study from the University of Washington. Researchers note that only about 40% of Indigenous people live within or near reservations and hypothesize that frequent travel in and out of tribal lands and racial profiling could be a reason for these fatal interactions with police. Theresa Rocha Beardall is an associate professor of sociology at UW and co-authored the study. She joins to share more.

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