Protestors at NM capitol rally. Photo by Michael Seamans, Santa Fe New Mexican
Posted on 03/19/2025 3:40:46 PM PDT by CedarDave
Tensions boiled over during a pro-Palestinian rally in the state Capitol Rotunda Tuesday after Reps. Stefani Lord, R-Sandia Park, and John Block, R-Alamogordo, were accused by attendees of antagonizing demonstrators.
The rally, which featured New Mexico residents from Gaza who still had family there, was largely made up of poetry readings, song and comments bringing awareness to Israeli military strikes that have killed civilians, including journalists and other noncombatants. Hundreds of Palestinians were killed Monday in a wave of strikes that were launched as part of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s efforts to break a ceasefire deal reached in January.
Advocates at the rally also called on New Mexico lawmakers and university leaders to divest from companies that provide weapons and other military supplies and services to Israel. The event was organized by a large coalition of groups that advocate for Palestinians, including Jewish Voice for Peace Albuquerque.
But about 45 minutes into the rally, the Republican representatives — who both said they have Jewish heritage — entered the Rotunda, immediately catching the eye of the crowd, and interrupted the speaker at the time.
“Rep. Lord and Rep. Block came down and instigated people that are here for Freedom for Palestine Day,” said Jonathan Juárez, who was in the crowd at the Rotunda and who watched the incident unfold. “… She was just antagonizing people, saying that they’re Hamas supporters, saying just ridiculous statements that are really inflammatory.”
A group of advocates followed the lawmakers, who were flanked by security personnel, to the other end of the Rotunda, where Block and Lord turned and had some tense arguments.
Demonstrators continued following them out of the Rotunda, with advocate Yazh Pending loudly shouting profanities at the representatives as they made their exit.
(Excerpt) Read more at santafenewmexican.com ...
🤔. So two “R” reps were the actual instigators of the kerfuffle. Oh okay.
Arrests happen after violent pro-Hamas protesters swarm GOP legislators
By Renato Costa / March 19, 2025
On Tuesday, the New Mexico State Capitol’s Rotunda became the epicenter of a contentious confrontation during what was ostensibly a pro-Palestinian rally. The event took a confrontational turn after state Reps. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park) and John Block (R-Alamogordo), both of whom have Jewish heritage, passed through the Rotunda, where protesters got violent.
The rally aimed to attack Israel and its supporters. However, the atmosphere shifted dramatically upon the arrival of Reps. Lord and Block. Their presence was met with immediate hostility from attendees, leading to a series of heated exchanges.
Eyewitnesses reported that the legislators were subjected to verbal assaults, with accusations labeling them as antagonists. Jonathan Juárez, a participant, claimed that Rep. Lord was “antagonizing people, saying that they’re Hamas supporters.” That came despite Hamas flags and clothing spotted in the audience, per photos and videos of the event.
The situation escalated as demonstrators surrounded the representatives, prompting security personnel and New Mexico State Police officers to intervene. It included one woman who attempted to lay her hands on Rep. Lord while two other aggressors violently screamed at the two representatives.
As tensions mounted, demonstrators continued to hurl profanities and accusations at the representatives.
In response to the hostility faced, Rep. Block lamented the lack of tolerance exhibited by the demonstrators, stating, “It’s just horrible that there are people that want to erase our people, especially in this state where they claim to be so tolerant.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the erosion of civil discourse and respect for diverse perspectives.
Notably, during the confrontation, the speaker at the podium addressed the crowd, asking, “Does anybody in this room hate Jewish people?”
Following the incident, both representatives reported feeling threatened and highlighted the presence of what they described as “terrorist propaganda,” including a “makeshift bomb” and “terrorist outfits.” Rep. Lord expressed profound indignation, stating, “This was so uncalled for I can’t even begin to tell you how infuriating, and how insulting, and how demeaning this is to anyone who has any Jewish blood in them.”
More and pictures at the link:
Arrests happen after violent pro-Hamas protesters swarm GOP legislators
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This is who the anti- Israel cactus on here are siding with, flat out marxists.
It appears the two R reps had the militants where they wanted them.
I’m surprised Sen. Brandt wasn’t involved.
He is very pro-Israel. Recently traveled there.
House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque) addressed the incident, condemning any form of intimidation or threats of violence. He expressed regret over the occurrence, stating, “I was not aware of that, and I’m very sorry that that happened.” This acknowledgment underscores the necessity for maintaining a safe and respectful environment within the Capitol.
Further criticism arose from Sen. Craig Brandt (R-Rio Rancho), a staunch supporter of Israel, who questioned the appropriateness of allowing such an event within the Capitol. He highlighted the fear experienced by Jewish employees, stating, “We have employees that are Jewish that were hiding down here on the first floor because they were afraid to go on the second floor.” This revelation points to a broader issue of ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals within public institutions.
Yup, NAZI salute.
Was that the response to the speaker at the podium addressing the crowd, asking, “Does anybody in this room hate Jewish people?”
Stefani is my Rep and I’ve spoken with her a number of times, usually at the local shooting range. She does not suffer fools at all. She’s tough, even the folks in Chillili like her.
What the what?
New Mexico decided they needed Gazans?
Total BS. The Hamas thugs were the ones who broke the ceasefire by refusing to continue releasing the hostages and bodies.
What is it now, 90+ times a ceasefire has been broken by Hamas since the 70s to, not even once by the Israelis.
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