A suspect has been arrested and sentenced to 30 years in prison for allegedly shooting and wounding a man at a protest in Española, New Mexico. The protest was held in response to the planned installation of a statue honoring Spanish conquistador Juan de Oñate. The suspect, Robert Benjamin Nelson, had previously pleaded guilty to charges connected to the shooting of a New Mexico State Police officer in September 2020.
According to Alexander Uballez, the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico, Nelson was sentenced for the attempted murder of a federal task force officer and discharging a firearm during a federal crime of violence. Nelson’s guilty plea came after a mistrial in January.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) stated that on September 12, 2020, Nelson was pulled over by New Mexico State Police Sgt. Sharron Duran, who was working as a U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Task Force Officer. Nelson, sitting in his pickup truck, raised a .22-caliber pistol and shot at Duran three times through the window. The first shot shattered the passenger window and injured Duran’s face and eyes with shards of glass. She raised her hands in an attempt to shield herself, but the other two bullets hit her hands, causing permanent injury to one of her eyes and both hands.
Despite her injuries, Duran quickly recovered and returned fire as Nelson sped away. She then pursued Nelson on Interstate 40 and managed to pull him over again. Nelson attempted to grab a rifle from his vehicle, but Duran waited for backup officers to arrive and apprehended him without further incident.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda described the shooting as a “brazened, violent act” and emphasized that attacks on federal Task Force Officers are federal crimes with serious consequences. The sentencing of Nelson reflects the FBI’s commitment to bringing those responsible for violence against law enforcement officers to justice.
In conclusion, the arrest and sentencing of the suspect involved in the shooting at the protest in New Mexico highlights the efforts of law enforcement agencies to protect the safety of both officers and the community. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement personnel and the consequences for those who commit acts of violence against them.
