Jesus's blog

Española, New Mexico – Tensions flared during a protest the reinstallation of a statue honoring the controversial Spanish conqueror, Juan de Oñate, as a man was shot in Española, New Mexico. This incident has once again underscored the ongoing debate over the commemoration of historical figures with questionable pasts and the impact of their statues on communities.

Originally, local officials in Española had planned to re-erect the statue of Juan de Oñate, but those plans were abruptly canceled due to concerns about safety. However, even with the cancellation, protesters remained present, and the situation escalated into violence.

The alleged shooter, 23-year-old Ryan Martinez, is now in custody, facing serious charges after reportedly shooting an individual during the confrontation. The injured victim was swiftly transported to an Albuquerque hospital, though the extent of their injuries remains undisclosed as an ongoing police investigation delves into the incident.

Juan de Oñate’s statue had been removed in 2020, primarily due to his involvement in a tragic event in which numerous indigenous people lost their lives. His actions included the gruesome act of severing the feet of survivors and selling others into slavery. Subsequently, he faced legal consequences for the excessive force used and was banished from New Mexico. The statue’s restoration has since been a subject of intense controversy, reflecting the deep-seated emotions it stirs in the community.

Despite the controversy, county officials decided to relocate the statue to a new site in Española, prominently in front of a county building. The ceremony for the statue’s reinstallation was originally scheduled for Thursday but was postponed, citing safety concerns. Nevertheless, a group of protesters congregated at the site, unequivocally expressing their opposition to the statue’s return.

Video footage captured the moment preceding the shooting, where a brawl erupted among individuals, culminating in one man brandishing a firearm. The root cause of the altercation remains uncertain currently. An eyewitness reported that the alleged shooter fled the scene in a vehicle, with someone tailing him.

It is worth noting that the local sheriff had openly voiced his disagreement with the decision to relocate the statue, addressing county commissioners with a letter in which he argued that the timing was inappropriate. Two commissioners heeded his concerns and decided to halt the statue’s reinstallation on Thursday, recognizing the complex nature of the situation.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of how statues of controversial historical figures can polarize communities and ignite passionate debates about the symbols and narratives that shape our shared history. It raises questions about the role of public monuments in contemporary society and the delicate balance between preserving historical legacies and acknowledging the pain and trauma associated with them.