[5] He also ordered checkpoints to be erected along state and federal highways that passed through the Pine Ridge reservation, to prevent the virus's spread to the people living there and to support contract tracing if an outside visitor was later found to be infected.

Bear Runner refused, stating, "since she won't protect tribal health and safety, tribes have no choice but to take matters into their own hands."

[6][7][8] Bear Runner supported a successful 2020 referendum to legalize marijuana for both medical and recreational use, citing the potential economy benefits.

The Oglala tribal council put Bear Runner on leave and held an impeachment vote.

[19] Later, in November 2020, Bear Runner was arrested for "failure to vacate" in Rapid City, South Dakota, after fighting with security at the Cheers Sports Bar & Casino.