New Mexico man shot in confrontation as demonstrators try to dismantle Spanish conquistador statue

A New Mexico man was reportedly shot Monday night outside of the Albuquerque Museum as protesters tried to dismantle a statue of a Spanish conquistador. 

The male victim was taken to a hospital, but his condition is not yet known, according to the Associated Press.

The shooting was apparently part of a confrontation between demonstrators and a group of armed men that was trying to protect the bronze statue of Juan de Oñate.

Protesters were reportedly trying to pull down the statue with a wrapped chain – and one was using a pickax to try to dismantle the statue at its base – before shots were fired down the street. 

There are no reports so far about arrests.

Officers reportedly used tear gas and flash bangs to protect officers and detain those involved in the shooting. Members of the group were disarmed and taken into custody for questioning, the wire service also reported.