GALLUP, New Mexico –
Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and his family were among those who were nearly run over when a large SUV drove through a Native American parade in western New Mexico, causing multiple injuries.
Police took the driver into custody Thursday night but have not yet released details on why the vehicle was speeding through downtown Gallup as thousands lined the parade route.
Many captured the chaotic scene on video. People yelled at each other to get out of the way as some pushed parade-goers to safety. Children dancing traditional dances seem to have been among the first to see him run towards them. They can be seen running to the side as people scream and families rush to get out of the way.
Blankets, shoes, banners and umbrellas were scattered along the street and on the sidewalks as people fled.
Nez said the vehicle was coming toward him and a group of tribal officials who were walking in the parade. He thanked the people for his quick action.
“We just ask for your prayers for all the participants,” Nez said in a video posted on social media. “We’re all in shock. You’d see this on TV, you’d think it would never happen here. I’m sorry to say it happened here in Gallup, New Mexico.”
Community members continued to communicate on Friday, encouraging people to pray together.
Two Gallup police officers were among those injured. Police said no one was killed and they had no details on Friday about the conditions of those injured.
After traveling down the parade route, the vehicle swerved onto a side street and stopped in a parking spot before attempting to exit again, striking a police car. Officers then converged on the vehicle, removed at least two people and handcuffed them to the pavement.
New Mexico State Police said on Twitter that the driver was in custody.
“Multiple people, including two Gallup Police Officers, were injured and are being treated at the scene,” the tweet read.
The parade was a highlight of Gallup’s Inter-Tribal Ceremonial Centennial Celebration, which was founded in 1922 to honor Indian heritage.
Nez said there were people who had traveled to Gallup from across the Navajo Nation to attend the parade and other events planned over the course of the celebration. The Navajo Nation spans parts of New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah.
Nez, tribal council members and others expressed anger and disbelief that something like this could happen.
“It’s supposed to be a celebration, but today was a difficult time for us,” he said.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said the state will send additional police officers to Gallup for the rest of the ceremony.