Lummi Nation member pleads guilty to federal charges after two bald eagles allegedly shot

A 39-year-old Lummi Nation member pleaded guilty Thursday to illegal firearms possession and two violations of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

On Feb. 23, 2025, Joel David Ridley was arrested by Lummi Nation Police after reports of gunshots were made, and Ridley was found with a dead bald eagle near his SUV, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced.

Witness reported gunshots, saw injured eagle fall from tree

A witness on the Lummi Reservation heard the gunshot as he was walking his dog, according to records filed in the case. Walking home, the witness heard a second shot and saw a person pick up an eagle from the ground.

While the witness was on the phone with law enforcement, he saw another eagle fall from a tree on his property. The bald eagle was badly injured and was later transported to the Humane Society.

After speaking with the witness, police encountered an SUV in the area that matched the description provided by the witness. The vehicle abruptly turned into a driveway.

A records check revealed that the vehicle belonged to Ridley, and after police responded to the residence, officers observed a dead eagle in the back seat of Ridley’s vehicle.

Officers eventually spoke with Ridley in his driveway and ultimately arrested him.

A search warrant was obtained for Ridley’s vehicle, and inside it, officers found a dead eagle and a .22-caliber Savage rifle concealed between the rear seats.

The DOJ noted that Ridley is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a conviction in 2003 for first-degree assault in Whatcom County.

Both bald eagles were taken to the Washington State Humane Society in Bellingham, where it was determined they had suffered gunshot wounds. Due to the nature of the surviving bald eagle’s injuries, it was eventually euthanized.

Unlawful possession of a firearm is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.

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