New Mexico Leaders To Militia: If You Want To Help Community, Stop Showing Up Armed
Armed militias have become a feature at anti-quarantine protests, racial justice marches and monument removals. But after a shooting in Albuquerque, locals say militias are disturbing the peace.
It's become known as the Old Town melee. Protesters gathered last month in Albuquerque, N.M., around the bronze statue of Juan de Oñate, the controversial Spanish conquistador, in the city's historic quarter.
Videos of the event show men with guns — in military garb and tactical gear — stationed around the statue, tussling with protesters. Soon, the protesters bring out a chain and pickax to topple the figure, as police watch from afar.
Minutes later, four shots ring out, and the crowd flees in panic. A protester wearing a black hoodie is hit and seriously injured. A man in a blue shirt — who appeared to be trying to protect the statue
