GALLUP, N.M.— Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and his household have been amongst these nearly hit as a big SUV drove by a Native American parade in western New Mexico, inflicting a number of accidents.
Police took the driving force into custody Thursday night however have but to launch particulars about why the automobile was rushing by downtown Gallup as 1000’s of individuals lined the parade route.
Many captured the chaotic scene on video. Folks have been yelling for others to get out of the way in which whereas some pushed parade-goers to security. Kids performing conventional dances seem to have been among the many first to see it speeding towards them. They are often seen operating to the facet as folks scream and households scramble to get out of the way in which.
Blankets, footwear, banners and umbrellas have been left strewn alongside the road and on the sidewalks as folks fled.
Nez stated the automobile was coming at him and a gaggle of tribal officers who have been strolling within the parade. He thanked folks for his or her fast motion.
“We simply ask on your prayers for the entire contributors,” Nez stated in a video posted on social media. “We’re all shook up. You’d see this on tv, you’d suppose it might by no means occur right here. I’m sorry to say it occurred right here in Gallup, New Mexico.”
Neighborhood members continued reaching out to one another Friday, encouraging folks to hope collectively.
Two Gallup law enforcement officials have been amongst these harm. Police stated nobody was killed and they didn’t have particulars Friday in regards to the circumstances of those that have been injured.
After barreling down the parade route, the automobile then swerved onto a facet road and pulled right into a parking spot earlier than attempting to drag out once more, hitting a police automobile. Officers then converged on the automobile, pulling no less than two folks out and handcuffing them on the pavement.
New Mexico State Police stated on Twitter that the driving force was in custody.
“A number of folks, together with two Gallup PD officers, injured and are being handled on scene,” the tweet stated.
The parade was a spotlight of the Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial Centennial Celebration, which was based in 1922 to honor indigenous heritage.
Nez stated there have been individuals who had traveled to Gallup from across the Navajo Nation to attend the parade and the opposite occasions deliberate over the course of the celebration. The Navajo Nation spans elements of New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.
Nez, tribal council members and others expressed their anger and disbelief that some factor like this might occur.
“It’s purported to be a celebration, however right this moment it was a troublesome time for us,” he stated.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham stated the state will ship further law enforcement officials to Gallup for the rest of the ceremonial.
