While Robert Little continues to recover from multiple gunshot wounds, his family asks that people not pass judgment on a young man who is a son, brother and cousin.

"Right now, our main concern is his health and well-being," Little's mother, Lisa Good Weasel, said Tuesday.

Little, 25, was shot by an Oglala Sioux Tribe police officer Sunday afternoon in a Pine Ridge housing development.

"We hope the press and the public keeps an open mind," Good Weasel said.

According to the FBI, Little is in stable condition with wounds that do not appear life-threatening.

Special Agent E.K. Wilson said Little was attempting to resist arrest and allegedly assaulted the officer.

The officer is on administrative leave, according to Everett Little Whiteman, chief of the OST Public Safety division.

Little Whiteman said the officer felt her life was in danger and drew her weapon.

"During the struggle, she shot the perpetrator," Little Whiteman said.

Good Weasel said her family's priority is justice for her son. Some are calling for a third-party investigation because of alleged excessive force used by the female officer who shot Little, his mother said.

Good Weasel said she did not know what led to her son's shooting outside his brother's home in the East Ridge community. She said it did not involve criminal activity or family fight.

"He was not affiliated with a gang. This was not a domestic dispute," Good Weasel said.

She said her family is thankful for the outpouring of support offered to her son. And the family appreciates the care he has received, both in Pine Ridge and at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Meanwhile, graffiti appearing across the reservation threatening the officer and the tribe's public safety officers worries her

"This is a tragic event that has caused people to be upset, angry and scared," Good Weasel said. "It was an avoidable incident."

Contact Andrea Cook at 394-8423 or andrea.cook@rapidcityjournal.com.