A political struggle within the Seneca Nation turned deadly on the Cattaraugus Reservation in the predawn hours of March 6, 1995. Tensions over the contested presidency — Dennis Bowen was elected in November 1994, then impeached in February 1995 with Karen Bucktooth appointed by the council while Bowen refused to step down — split the community into opposing factions. Supporters of Bowen occupied a tribal government building; Bucktooth’s supporters opposed them.

When fighting broke out that morning, rifles, shotguns and assault weapons were reported in use. Three men were killed: 62-year-old Myron Kettle, and two 30-year-olds, Charles Thompson and Sam Powliss. Accounts differ on what triggered the shootout — Bowen’s supporters say Bucktooth’s followers tried to storm the building after drinking; Bucktooth’s faction says their vehicle’s tires were shot out and they were then fired upon. A fourth man, a Bowen supporter, was wounded.

No clear information about arrests or criminal charges tied to the three deaths is available.