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Suspect arrested after man is shot at Albuquerque protest
Follow up to this story from yesterday. Much more about Mr. Baca and events leading up to and after the arrest. [StamfordAdvocate] Protesters in Albuquerque, N.M., wrapped a chain around the neck of a bronze statue and began tugging and chanting, "Tear it down," shortly before sunset Monday. Their efforts to pull down a monument to Spanish conquistador Juan de Oñate suddenly stopped as four shots rang out.Most people instinctively turned toward the noise, videos from the scene show. A few screamed. Just yards away, a group of men sporting quasi-military garb and carrying semiautomatic rifles formed a protective circle around the gunman. The gunshots, which left one man in critical but stable condition, have caused a public outcry - both over the shooting itself and the presence of what many have called an unregulated militia. On Tuesday morning, the Albuquerque Police Department announced that detectives had arrested Steven Baca, 31, in the shooting. Baca, who appeared to be protecting the statue and opened fire after people pursued and hit him, was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and firearm enhancement, according to a criminal complaint. The victim, Scott Williams, suffered gunshot wounds to the torso and immediately received aid from bystanders, according to the criminal complaint. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing. Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, a Democrat, said the statue would now be speedily removed as an "urgent matter of public safety" until authorities determine a next step. Related: Albuquerque: 2020-01-11 Democrat and former spy Valerie Plame accused of lying about membership in Jewish temple Albuquerque: 2019-11-22 Carjacking or Cartel? We report, you decide Albuquerque: 2019-04-25 Border group leader injured in New Mexico jail altercation Posted by: trailing wife 2020-06-17 |
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