We are incredibly alarmed that pretrial services have recommended the agitator be released without cash bail. We know from first-hand experience that politically — and racially — motivated shootings like this embolden other like-minded vigilantes who hold the same contempt for Indigenous people and organizers. The agitator and his sympathizers pose a very real and serious threat to all Indigenous people and to Indigenous women activists specifically.

The establishment, which [Rio Arriba County Commissioner] Alex Naranjo himself lauded as “a system that we’ve lived with for 400 years,” circles its wagons to protect Indian killers who are colonialism’s foot soldiers. This means there is virtually no formal protection or justice for Indigenous people, women and activists in these times of heightened danger.

We call upon all national, tribal, state, county and city officials and movement allies to condemn this racist attack and demand safety and protection for Indigenous people, women, organizations and communities. We call upon everyone to contact your officials and apply pressure.