“MAGA Is a Disease on This Country”: Shockwaves After Conquistador Statue Protest Turns Violent

Gabriel RomanNov 9, 2023

Minute Read

In the town of Española, New Mexico, a protest became the scene of a serious incident. Jacob Johns, an Indigenous justice advocate, is now healing after being hurt during a demonstration. The protestors gathered to oppose a statue of Juan de Oñate being rebuilt. He is a Spanish figure with a controversial past.

Who is Jacob Johns?

Jacob Johns is more than just an activist. He’s a person who cares deeply about our planet and expresses himself in many creative ways. He uses his talents as an artist and musician to spread his message, all while being a dedicated dad. His commitment was evident when he stood with fellow protesters in New Mexico, opposing a symbol that many believe represents a painful chapter in history.

Understanding Juan de Oñate’s Role

Juan de Oñate was a figure of Spanish colonization, but his actions cast a shadow over his legacy. Over 400 years ago, his forces committed violence against the Indigenous people. The statue that represents him has become a point of controversy, reminding the local community of a very tragic past.

The 1599 Massacre’s Impact

Oñate’s role in the violent 1599 massacre has not been forgotten. This dark part of history is why many in Española and beyond have raised their voices. They protest to challenge how we remember figures like Oñate, who left behind a legacy of pain for many Indigenous communities.

Nationwide Calls for Reassessment

The outcry in Española is not an isolated incident. It reflects a nationwide debate that’s gaining momentum. In towns and cities across America, people are critically re-evaluating the presence of statues and memorials. This civic debate touches on the complex issues of historical narrative, memory, and the symbols we choose to preserve in public spaces.

Statue Debates Reflect on U.S. History

The Oñate statue controversy has ripped open the pages of American history books, urging a reassessment of the figures we celebrate. It is a debate that challenges the nation to confront its past, examining the stories of those memorialized in bronze and stone. Many people question the consequences of glorifying those who may have committed controversial acts.

Arrest of Ryan Martinez

Upon his apprehension, Ryan Martinez appeared quite unbothered. The affidavit reveals his unsettling inquisition to law enforcement, “with a smirk on his face,” about the hypothetical freedoms of an attempted murder suspect. This reaction, lacking apparent concern or regret, painted a grim picture of the suspect’s attitude toward the grave situation at hand.

A Violent Clash Ensues

In the shadow of the Rio Arriba county annex building, what began as a hopeful celebration quickly became aggressive. It was in this contrast of celebration and violence that Jacob Johns was shot. The incident has since sparked crucial conversations about the nature of public demonstrations and the simmering tensions that can lead to unforeseen acts of violence.

A Fight Caught on Camera

Cellphone footage captured the moment Martinez escalated the confrontation beyond words. The barrier he leaped over was not just physical but a symbolic threshold. It was where a civil protest turned into a physical altercation. The video, now a key piece of evidence, will play a central role in how this incident is remembered and judged.

Shots Fired After Scuffle

The sequence of events that led to gunfire unfolded rapidly. The scuffle, a chaotic blend of motion and emotion, culminated in the startling sound of a gunshot. Bystanders quickly became witnesses of a criminal act. Martinez’s subsequent flight from the scene only heightened the sense of urgency and alarm that gripped those present.

Chaos in the Aftermath

In the moments that followed the gunshot, the protest site was transformed into a scene of fear. The anxious cries of parents, captured in the recollections of eyewitnesses, painted a vivid picture of the fear that seized the attendees. This immediate reaction shows the impact of the incident on the community.

Children Found Safe

The confirmation that children were unharmed brought a collective breath of relief. This silver lining, however, did not overshadow the seriousness of Johns’s injuries. His diagnosis of definite recovery gave some people hope. It shows the resilience of the victim and the community in the face of violence.

Political Apparel Sparks Debate

The political connotations of Martinez’s hat became a flashpoint, provoking discussions about the intersection of political rhetoric and violent actions. His social media footprint, filled with controversial political content, has become a way for those trying to understand the motivations behind the shooting. It also shows the broader discussion for political discourse and public safety.

Recalling a Prior Shooting

The recent events have drawn a direct line to the June 2020 incident. It shows a pattern of violence surrounding this historical figure’s representation. The recurring nature of these confrontations has raised alarm bells about the heightened emotional and political stakes attached to the statue. Many question what it symbolizes for different communities.

The Outcome of Steven Baca’s Case

Steven Baca’s case, similar to this one, ended in a plea to reduced charges. It has been met with public scrutiny. The leniency of the outcome concerning the initial, more serious allegations has ignited debate over the legal process. Some people question its adequacy in addressing violence connected to political protests, potentially setting a precedent for future cases.

Community Support for Johns

Image Credit: Sharaf Maksumov/Shutterstock.

The community’s reaction to the shooting manifested in a real wave of support for Jacob Johns. The success of the GoFundMe campaign for his recovery signals a strong communal spirit and a shared sense of injustice over what occurred. It’s a demonstration of the power of collective empathy and action.

Public Fury at Lenient Treatment of Armed MAGA Hat-Wearing Shooter

The arrest of Ryan Martinez has stirred a cauldron of public outrage. Some users have demanded stern punishment for his actions. One user said, “Wimpy people are using lame excuses (MAGA) to do dumb things. Give him 20 years for having the gun, 20 years for using the gun, and ten years probation.”

Revisiting the History of Political Rally Aggression

Image Credit: Aaron of L.A. Photography/Shutterstock.

Echoing past sentiments, one user simply said, “It’s a hate crime.” Another user said, “MAGA is a disease in this country,” while one user claimed we should “Delete them all.” However, some disagree, saying, “There were hundreds of hours of footage on YouTube of the violent mobs protesting the Trump rallies. Too bad all that footage was deleted(censored), and you can’t find it now to remind people how violent the left was in mid-late 2016.”

Tensions Boil Over as Community Clashes with Historical Symbols

One user noted, “OMG, look at these white people thinking they aren’t required to run away when native Americans walk up to them banging a drum in their face for no reason! Do they think they have the right to stand out in public? What the actual heck, this is genocide.” This shows the extreme polarization and misunderstanding among different community members.