Mayor Tim Keller, City and APD Officials Release Statements on Shooting

June 15, 2020

Mayor Tim Keller, APD Chief Michael Geier, and City Attorney Esteban Aguilar, Jr. released the following statements in the wake of the shooting tonight at a protest:

“The shooting tonight was a tragic, outrageous and unacceptable act of violence and it has no place in our city. Our diverse community will not be deterred by acts meant to divide or silence us. Our hearts go out the victim, his family and witnesses whose lives were needlessly threatened tonight. This sculpture has now become an urgent matter of public safety. In order to contain the public safety risk, the City will be removing the statue until the appropriate civic institutions can determine next steps.” – Mayor Tim Keller

“Police responded quickly and used emergency response measures to clear the crowds to protect protesters and detain suspects. We will work with prosecutors to hold the perpetrator accountable.  Tonight our officers are collecting evidence from the crime scene as quickly as possible. Anyone having information about tonight’s events should call 242-COPS, rather than remaining on scene to talk to investigators.” – City Attorney Esteban Aguilar, Jr.

“We are receiving reports about vigilante groups possibly instigating this violence. If this is true will be holding them accountable to the fullest extent of the law, including federal hate group designation and prosecution.”  – Albuquerque Police Chief Michael Geier