At least three people were arrested and a police officer injured as protesters and law enforcement clashed in Albuquerque over a recent spate of cop shootings.
The Albuquerque Journal reported that protesters were hurling rocks at the police during the Sunday gathering, at one point even trapping police in their car and trying to smash through windows. Meanwhile, The Associated Press said gas canisters were being hurled outside of police headquarters as cops attempted to charge the crowd and dispel the rally.
The protesters were upset at police for recent shootings against citizens — shootings that have even grabbed the attention of the U.S. Justice Department, which launched a civil rights investigation a year ago.
The latest shooting occurred last week, when Albuquerque police killed a man near a housing complex, Fox News reported.
One protester over the weekend, Justin Elder, held a sign: “APD: Dressed to Kill,” and told Fox News, “that’s what this police force is about.” The group reportedly marched from downtown Albuquerque to the University of New Mexico, protesting with signs and holding up traffic. Local police donned riot gear and joined with New Mexico State Police to break up the marchers.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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