A man was taken into custody late on Thursday after driving an SUV through a parade in the city of Gallup, New Mexico, injuring multiple people, according to authorities.
New Mexico State Police said on Twitter that the injuries involved multiple pedestrians, including two police officers of the Gallup Police Department, who were treated on the scene.
Authorities are investigating the incident that happened at the Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial Centennial Celebration, which is a 10-day celebration and one of the state’s longest-running events to honor the “cultures, history, … and heritage” of Native-American and Indigenous peoples, according to a news release (pdf) on the event.
In a video shared on social media, an SUV is seen speeding through the highly-populated event as a crowd starts to scream. The 50-second clip then skips to the part where law enforcement officials brought an end to the incident and arrested the perpetrator.
“What is wrong with him?” the woman who recorded the clip is heard saying as she films law enforcement taking the driver of the SUV into custody.
The name of the suspect, who appears to be of Latino origin, has not yet been released.
New Mexico State Police Lt. Mark Soriano confirmed no one was killed in the incident, but he couldn’t elaborate on the extent of the injuries, the Albuquerque Journal reported.
In a statement on Facebook, a spokesman of the Navajo Nation Council said the incident “impacted many families and relatives” who were attending the parade to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the annual intertribal event.
“The Navajo Nation stands with resilience against any acts of violence and sends prayers of protection to those affected,” said Seth Damon. “This was a traumatic and triggering event for many, especially for our youth, elders, and our veterans who acted quickly.”
The speaker continued thanking first responders and law enforcement officials who brought an end to the incident, declaring that the perpetrator “will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Hold Gallup in your prayers tonight as we come together in faith and strength for one another,” Damon concluded. “May the Creator and Holy People bless you all tonight as we move forward together.”
