Neil Young calls on Obama to end 'violence' at pipeline protest

Neil Young is calling on President Barack Obama "to step in and end" what he calls the "violence" against protesters demonstrating against an oil pipeline being built in North Dakota near the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's reservation.

• North Dakota governor orders evacuation of Standing Rock camp

• Standing Rock pipeline protesters dig in for long fight, cold winter

In an open letter on Facebook posted Monday, the 71-year-old rock star calls the protest at Standing Rock "an awakening."

He says demonstrators are "standing strong in the face of outrageous, unnecessary and violent aggression" and that law enforcement agencies and the National Guard are "seemingly acting to protect the interests of the Dakota Access Pipeline profiteers" with taxpayer money.

• Neil Young marks 71st birthday with visit to Standing Rock

• Neil Young protests Dakota Access pipeline with new song

Young also chided President-elect Donald Trump, labeling him the "surprise president."

The letter is signed by Young and his girlfriend, actress Daryl Hannah.

Young included a video of him singing against the backdrop of the protest camp. 

The Canadian music icon previously advocated against the Keystone XL pipeline in 2014 with his song, Who's Gonna Stand Up?

• PHOTOS | Neil Young, Willie Nelson headline Keystone XL protest concert