Hotel Shooting Leads to Racist Ban and Legal Battles

Date: October 27, 2023, 12:04h. 

Last Updated: October 27, 2023, 12:04h.

A tragic incident at a hotel in Rapid City, S.D. has resulted in a controversial ban and a series of lawsuits. A man named Quincy Bear Robe has pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter for shooting and killing Myron Blaine Pourier Jr.

Quincy Bear Robe, aged 21, confessed to the shooting that took place on March 19, 2022, at the Grand Gateway Hotel. In response to the incident, the hotel’s owner, Connie Uhre, implemented a ban on all Native Americans from the premises, which led to widespread outcry and civil rights lawsuits.

The tragedy was the result of a drunken argument between Bear Robe and Pourier. Bear Robe, intoxicated and armed with a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson pistol, fired two shots, one of which fatally struck Pourier. The victim succumbed to his injuries on April 3, 2022.

Upon hearing the gunshots, hotel security witnessed Bear Robe fleeing the scene and promptly notified a police officer who was nearby. The officer successfully apprehended Bear Robe, who was still armed at the time of his arrest.

Following the highly publicized incident, the Grand Gateway Hotel temporarily closed but has since reopened. However, the controversy surrounding the ban on Native Americans persists. In a recent development, owner Connie Uhre was found guilty of two counts of common assault for assaulting protestors with a bottle of Pledge.

A new lawsuit filed in the US District Court for the District of South Dakota Western Division highlights further allegations of racial discrimination. Wisconsin couple Jessica and Ryan White claim that their reservation at the Grand Gateway Hotel was denied upon Ryan’s arrival, solely because he is Native American.

The Grand Gateway employee refused to honor the White family’s reservation, despite providing a confirmation number from Travelocity. This incident has prompted a lawsuit against the hotel.