A trial began in federal court on Monday over the state of Rhode Island's raid of the Narragansett Reservation.

Two tribal members and a tribal employee accuse state troopers of excessive force during the July 14, 2003, incident. They say the police never identified themselves as they stormed the tribe's smokeshop.

The plaintiffs are Paulla Dove Jennings, her son, Adam, and Keith Huertas, the manager of the shop who is married to a tribal member. They are seeking unspecified damages against seven troopers and the state police superintendent.

Get the Story:
Trial over smoke-shop raid begins (The Providence Journal 3/22)
Trial Begins In Smoke-shop Raid (AP 3/22)
pwday
Trial Begins In Smoke Shop Lawsuit (Turn to 10 News 3/21)

Relevant Links:
Narragansett Tribe - http://www.narragansett-tribe.org
Smoke Shop Showdown - http://www.projo.com/extra/2003/smokeshop

Related Stories:
Narragansett Tribe marks one year after state raid (07/15)
Narragansett Tribe to mark anniversary of raid (7/13)
State's raid on tribal land sparks strong reactions (07/16)