Trial Set for Man Accused of Shooting Climate Activist During Peaceful Ceremony in Rio Arriba County

TIERRA AMARILLA, N.M. — A New Mexico man accused of shooting a climate activist during a peaceful protest last year is set to stand trial in October. The incident, which unfolded at a prayer ceremony in Rio Arriba County, drew national attention due to its violent nature and the historical tensions underlying the protest. The defendant, Ryan Martinez, was armed with a concealed 9mm handgun when he allegedly attempted to disrupt a gathering of about 50 people. The group was celebrating a local decision to delay the reinstallation of a statue honoring Juan de Oñate, … Read more