(N.M.) Man says state police did nothing to stop Trump supporters' attack on him

[left-of-center2012]

One of the men who says he was assaulted by Trump supporters at a rally Saturday in Santa Fe claims New Mexico State Police officers nearby declined to apprehend the assailants and didn't intervene until the incident was over. Wesley Sandel, 66, said he and a friend were carrying signs that read "Black Lives Matter" and "Go Home Nazi Trash" near the intersection of Old Santa Fe Trail and Paseo de Peralta, while about 150 Trump supporters gathered outside the (state capitol building) at a rally to protest election results — a near-weekly occurrence since Joe Biden's victory.

After the rally, Sandel said a group of seven or eight men, who carried guns and had threatened him and his friend earlier, attacked with flags and fists. Multiple state police officers across the street in a parking lot did not come to his aid until after the assault and let perpetrators leave the scene, Sandel said. "State police stood by and did nothing while the situation escalated and escalated. I'm pretty sure it was intentional," Sandel said.
Sandel (said) that while he was being interviewed, one of the attackers walked up to one of the officers and said, "I'm going home. I'll see you later," to which the officer responded, "OK."

State police did not respond to requests for information Monday. On Saturday evening, a spokesman said no arrests were made ... "When officers arrived on scene, the incident was over" Lt. Mark Soriano wrote in an email Saturday.

When asked if Santa Fe police would increase patrols of the area following Saturday's incident, Chief Andrew Padilla wrote in an email Monday the department continues to assist in monitoring and securing rallies by the Roundhouse. “Our objective has been and continues to be, to observe and be available while being as least intrusive as possible to allow all participants to exercise their 1st Amendment right," Padilla said.

A Proud Boys group in New Mexico has maintained a visual presence at recent Trump rallies outside the Roundhouse in recent weeks with long rifles and the organization's logos on military-inspired outfits.

https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/man-says-state-police-did-nothing-to-stop-trump-supporters-attack-on-him/article_0e5932d4-3e3e-11eb-9a68-b7edbbd4e26a.html

[llashram]

1. all I know is there are

stories that have come out in reputable MSM's about violent RW fascists that are infiltrated in MANY, if not all police departments...nationwide
just a couple among many:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/police-officers-nationwide-alleged-racist-violent-social-media-posts-plain-view-project-2019-06-07/
https://www.usmayors.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/20.55.USCM_.Police-Reform.Report.MEC_.pdf

[dalton99a]

2. +1

[triron]

7. Many cops are just thugs being paid.

[llashram]

21. true this

[beachbumbob]

3. pics and video would counter the State Police claims easy enough

[mdbl]

15. I hope he has some

they need to be disciplined or prosecuted depending on the state laws.

[58Sunliner]

4. I hope he gets a lawyer. It seems to be the only thing cops care about.

[Bettie]

5. Generally speaking

cops are sympathetic to right wing terrorists.

[RAB910]

6. The problem is that too many in law enforcement are part of the "Nazi scum" they were protesting

against

[gay texan]

8. In Santa Fe?

I thought that place was totally liberal.....

[DavidDvorkin]

11. I believe it is

But police forces usually don't reflect that.

[Turin_C3PO]

14. It is

but the police are like police everywhere.

[Johnny2X2X]

9. I believe it often goes beyond just standing by

I believe in many instances, the Proud Boys and other violent extremists are being colluded with by the police. They know when and where police will be and they not only get to commit violence, they get protection from the police when they need it.

[Basement Beat]

10. All cops are fascist pigs.

At this point, it's really no reason to cherry-pick through the "good ones". These police unions are filled with some of the most racist and hateful beliefs and frankly, they need to be defunded and completely gutted and rebuilt with community input every step of the way.

[burrowowl]

19. I've known that since 1964, what else is new?

[geretogo]

12. I don't remember the police trying to stop the brown shirts from beating the Jews in Germany in the

30's . Same type people ,different time . Same evil .

[badboy67]

16. Police have chosen which side they're on.

[IsItJustMe]

17. Yep. Them there are the good ol' boys!!!

[MustLoveBeagles]

18. I'm not surprised at all

[Cha]

20. Protect & Serve! Not let Assholes

beat up on Innocent People!