GRAND FORKS, ND (trfnews.i234.me) – Nicholas Jon Narveson, a 26-year-old Grand Forks resident, faced his first court appearance on Friday after being accused of fatally shooting 53-year-old James Jorgenson inside Sledster’s bar on Independence Day. The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Thursday.
During his 10-minute hearing, Narveson appeared indifferent, yawning several times. He was formally charged with murder, terrorizing, reckless endangerment, and criminal mischief. “This is a person who had no qualms pulling out a firearm and firing multiple shots inside of Sledster’s,” stated Grand Forks County Assistant State’s Attorney Andrew Eyre. The entire incident was captured on security cameras.
Investigators are still trying to determine the motive behind the shooting and have not disclosed whether it stemmed from an altercation or was a surprise attack. Additional charges were filed due to the presence of several patrons in the bar at the time. “This is somebody who pulled the trigger multiple times inside a crowded bar, putting multiple people at risk,” Eyre emphasized in court.
Narveson was quickly apprehended by police after witnesses saw him fleeing into Tea and Crepes Cafe. He surrendered without incident. Judge Don Hager set Narveson’s bail at $1 million cash, highlighting the public safety risk posed by the shooting. “There could have been more fatalities,” Hager remarked.
Narveson’s next court appearance is scheduled for August 12. If convicted, he faces the possibility of life in prison. Sledster’s bar remained closed on Friday, with management unavailable for comment.