CHINLE, Ariz. — Federal Arrest Warrant Ends in Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting of Morton Clauschee Clark
A federal arrest operation in the Navajo Nation turned fatal on the morning of July 29, 2025, when a confrontation with U.S. Marshals and local law enforcement resulted in the death of Morton Clauschee Clark, a 48-year-old resident of Chinle, Arizona. Authorities say the incident escalated when Clark, armed with an axe, refused to surrender and instead charged officers after barricading himself inside his home.
Execution of Federal Warrant
At approximately 10:23 a.m., U.S. Marshals arrived at Clark’s residence—located about 1.5 miles north of Church’s Chicken in Chinle—to serve a federal arrest warrant. The warrant stemmed from serious felony charges, including Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. According to officials, these charges were part of an ongoing federal investigation into violent crimes on the Navajo Nation.
When law enforcement made contact with Clark, he immediately confronted the officers with an axe and barricaded himself inside the residence. In response, the Navajo Police Department’s SWAT team was deployed to assist with the standoff and attempted to negotiate a peaceful surrender.
Escalation and Use of Force
Despite repeated commands to surrender, Clark eventually emerged from his residence aggressively, still armed with the axe, and advanced toward law enforcement officers. According to official statements, officers perceived Clark’s actions as an imminent and lethal threat, prompting them to discharge their weapons in defense.
Emergency medical responders were immediately called to the scene, and Clark was transported to the Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility (Chinle Medical Center). Despite life-saving efforts, Clark succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
Investigation Underway
In accordance with policy following an officer-involved shooting, the incident is now under investigation by the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Both agencies will examine the circumstances leading up to the shooting, the decision to use deadly force, and whether all protocols were followed.
Authorities have confirmed that no law enforcement officers were injured during the operation. The Navajo Police Department has since declared the area secure, emphasizing that there is no ongoing threat to the public stemming from this incident.
Community Reactions and Safety Measures
The community of Chinle, while often quiet, has experienced an unsettling week following this tragic event. Residents have expressed both relief that no additional harm came to law enforcement and concern over the violent nature of the standoff. Some local leaders are urging for more community-focused dialogue regarding the presence of federal law enforcement on Navajo land and the increasing number of high-risk warrants being served.
“We are working closely with federal partners to ensure that justice is served in a way that prioritizes both accountability and community safety,” said a Navajo Nation spokesperson. “Our thoughts are with all those affected by today’s events.”
Background on Charges
While officials have not released full details of the investigation that led to the warrant, the charges Clark faced—Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury—are among the most severe under federal law, particularly in cases involving Native American communities where jurisdiction can involve federal authorities directly.
Clark had reportedly been under investigation for several months, and his apprehension was considered high-risk due to past behavior and the violent nature of the allegations.
Moving Forward
As the investigation unfolds, more details are expected to be released in the coming days. The Navajo Nation has reiterated its commitment to transparency and has encouraged residents with any information or questions to contact the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations or the FBI Field Office handling the case.
In the meantime, both law enforcement and tribal officials are asking for the community’s patience and cooperation during the investigative process.
