New Mexico biker rally shooting leaves 3 dead, 5 injured: police

Publish date: 2024-07-29

At least 3 people were killed and five others were injured after a shooting between rival biker gangs erupted at a New Mexico motorcycle rally Saturday, police confirmed to The Post.

The victims were struck at around 5 p.m. local time when gunfire rang out outside a retail sector of Red River, Questa del Rio News reported.

“It was gang-related,” Mayor Linda Calhoun said in a video posted by the news outlet on social media. 

A police officer stands guard while a man assists a shot biker in Red River, New Mexico, on May 27, 2023. VIA REUTERS

All the victims were “contained” in the shooting — none were local residents, according to the report.

Police said one victim was airlifted to a Denver hospital and said there was “no threat to public safety.”

The shooters are in custody, according to Calhoun. Jacob David Castillo, 30, of Rio Rancho, was arrested and charged with an open count of murder.

Jacob David Castillo, 30, of Rio Rancho, was charged with an open count of murder after the deadly shooting in Red River, New Mexico, on May 27, 2023. New Mexico State Police

Law enforcement requested that local businesses around the area of the shooting remain closed Sunday as they continue their investigation.

Gunfire erupted outside a saloon in Red River, New Mexico Saturday evening. Facebook / Eddie Cook

The fatal shooting occurred during the 41st Annual Red River Memorial Motorcycle Rally, a festival promising to bring in “28,000 bikers from all different backgrounds.”

Taos Mayor Pascualito Maestas declared a civil emergency after the shooting.

Damian Breaux, 46, was one of the victims killed during the shooting in Red River, New Mexico, on May 27, 2023. Facebook

Taos, located about 40 miles from Red River, prohibited retailers, bars, and other establishments from selling alcohol under the emergency proclamation.

Randy Sanchez, 46, was killed during the shooting in Red River, New Mexico, on May 27, 2023. Facebook

It also enacted a curfew until 4:00 a.m. local time Sunday.

Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina said he was in Red River, his hometown, and felt “helpless” during the chaos.

Cops are seen gathering near motorcycles outside a retail sector of Red River. Facebook / Eddie Cook

“What a helpless feeling not having a badge, gun or radio as State Police officers and others enter the restaurant and slowly everything closes down and you don’t even know if you can get to your car or if it’s in the scene,” Medina said. “Prayers for all the officers out there. This wave of gun violence impacts all of New Mexico large or small. 

This is a developing story.

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