At least three people were killed and five others injured Saturday afternoon at a yearly motorcycle rally in Red River, New Mexico.
Red River Republican Mayor Linda Calhoun reportedly told media that the incident was “gang-related” and everyone involved is in police custody.
“All the individuals involved were members of biker gangs,” Calhoun said in an interview with CNN. She did not specify the participants’ alleged gang affiliation(s). Officials have previously said violence between rival biker gangs at the event is rare.
Calhoun said the first police officer was on the scene within 30 seconds after the call.
“It’s very tragic. Our law enforcement was incredible,” she said. “It’s the first time we’ve ever had anything like this. We do have accidents, we have had deaths before, but nothing like this.”
The gunfire occurred around 5 pm at the 41st Annual Red River Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally, where up to “28,000 bikers from all different backgrounds line Main Street for one crazy party,” according to organizers. Red River is a mountain town approximately 170 miles north of Albuquerque, near the Colorado state line.
Update 4: Red River
Motorcycle Rally Shooting– 3 deceased
– 5 injured, receiving medical care.
We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available. https://t.co/6MaXp9jQtU
— NMSP (@NMStatePolice) May 28, 2023
Authorities said one of the injured was airlifted to a hospital in Denver, and law enforcement was called to “secure” two local medical centers providing treatment to others.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting New Mexico State Police in the investigation.
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The nearby city of Taos, approximately 40 miles from Red River, issued an emergency curfew at 10 pm on Saturday that prohibited alcohol sales. It lasted until 4 am Sunday.
The annual motorcycle rally began on Thursday and was scheduled to continue through Monday. However, Red River officials asked businesses to remain closed on Sunday while police continue to investigate. A post on Facebook late Saturday night said no one would be permitted near the crime scene, which includes most of Main Street.
According to the Sante Fe New Mexican, two people died and five others were injured at the event in 2019 after a motorcycle collision. The previous year, a man crashed his motorcycle in Red River while fleeing law enforcement.
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