DHS Suspends Plans To Test Chemicals On Chilocco Land

The Department of Homeland Security has suspended its plans to release chemicals on the Chilocco Indian School campus.

In November of 2017, Homeland Security said it planned to released aerosols on the property near Newkirk, Oklahoma in preparation of a biological attack.

But many residents opposed the plan from the beginning, and a large group rallied and petitioned against it. Most recently, the Council of Confederated Chilocco Tribes formally opposed the plan.

Read Related Story: American Indian Tribes Opposed To Chemical Testing On Chilocco Land

Homeland Security issued a statement on Thursday, December 21, and said in part :

During the public comment period, DHS received many comments objecting to the proposed tests at the Chilocco Indian Agricultural School.  Based on the comments received from tribes, states, and local governments, as well as the concerns expressed from residents in the proposed test area, DHS is suspending plans to perform the proposed tests.  While the work remains very important for the security of our nation, further evaluation will be conducted to identify the best location for future testing.