Attempted Murder Charge Filed Against New Mexico Man in Shooting at Protest

• A New Mexico man has been charged with attempted murder after a shooting incident at a protest in Española.
• The defendant, Ryan David Martinez, was caught on camera firing his weapon during the protest.
• Martinez, who was wearing a MAGA hat, antagonized attendees prior to the shooting and fled the scene in a Tesla.

A man from New Mexico is facing charges of attempted murder after a shooting incident at a protest in Española that left one person injured. The defendant, identified as Ryan David Martinez, was arraigned in municipal court where he was formally accused of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. Martinez allegedly wore a “Make America Great Again” hat and engaged in provocative behavior before the shooting occurred.

According to reports, Martinez attended a local rally regarding the decision to postpone the installation of a controversial statue. Witnesses stated that Martinez made racist comments towards children and was part of a group that antagonized the participants. Video evidence captured the moment when Martinez pulled out a gun and fired a single shot after an altercation with other attendees. One of the protesters, Jacob Johns, was injured in the shooting.

After the incident, Martinez fled the scene in a white Tesla. He was later arrested and is currently in custody. The victim’s condition remains unknown. A temporary public defender has been assigned to Martinez, but no further information is available at this time.

Background on the Statue Controversy

The shooting took place during protests in Española over plans to install a statue of Spanish conquistador Juan de Oñate. The statue installation was scheduled for that day but was canceled due to security concerns. Oñate is a historical figure known for his role in establishing settlements along the Upper Rio Grande. However, he is also a controversial figure due to his treatment of Native Americans, leading to calls for the removal of his statues.

The victim, a 42-year-old man, was flown to an Albuquerque hospital to receive treatment for a gunshot wound to the abdomen. The investigation revealed that several men wearing “MAGA” hats were present at the protest. Witnesses reported that they tried to prevent Martinez from approaching the area where protesters’ children were gathered. Video footage of the confrontation was widely shared on social media.

Martinez is currently in a detention center awaiting a hearing on pretrial detention terms. Records indicate that he has no prior convictions or failures to appear in court.

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