Two police officers and several people have been injured in a town in New Mexico, after a motorist drove through a parade in the main street.
Residents were taking part in the Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial Centennial Celebration, when a SUV zoomed straight through the procession, with many taking evasive action to avoid being hit.
Footage of the incident shows youngsters decked out in colourful costumes enjoying the revelry, before rushing to the side of the road as the light brown vehicle quickly approaches, showing no signs of slowing down.
Another video showed local citizens and officers approaching the crashed SUV and pulling three men out, with a baying mob shouting at the men who were in the vehicle.
It has been confirmed by New Mexico State Police that two Gallup Police Department officers were receiving medical attention at the scene, along with “multiple” other people.
There were also reports of gunfire, but these have not been confirmed by police, who have taken the motorist into custody, although other reports suggest all three men were detained.
Police lieutenant Mark Soriano said there were no fatalities, but did not reveal details of those who were injured.
The incident occurred around 9.30pm local time.
Michelle Lujan Grisham, the 32nd governor of New Mexico, put out a short statement, saying: “Very upsetting incident at the Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial parade tonight. My prayers are with those who have been injured – I'm very grateful to the first responders on the scene.”
Local people took to social media to condemn the men in the SUV, with one person tweeting: “Whoever drove through the 100th Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial was intending to kill. They drove through while our babies and children were opening that parade”, while another horrified onlooker added: “Why are people so violent and hateful?”
This year is the 100th Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial, which is one of New Mexico’s longest-running events.
It celebrates the region’s indigenous culture with events like a parade, traditional song and dances, an art market, a rodeo and “so much more”.
