Red River Shooting: Multiple Shot at Motorcycle Rally, Reports Say

red river shooting video

TikTok (Gabriel Romero) A screenshot from a Red River shooting video.

New Mexico State Police confirmed that they were investigating a shooting at a major motorcycle rally that draws thousands of people to Red River, New Mexico.

Mayor Linda Calhoun told KOAT-TV that three people were killed and five injured in a gang-related shooting, and all suspects are in custody.

New Mexico State Police have accused one man, Jacob Castillo, with murder, and they released the victims’ names. See that list here. Police noted: “All eight individuals involved were identified as OMG members.”

“On May 27, 2023, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was called to investigate a shooting in Red River that occurred during the 2023 Red River Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally,” a May 28, 2023, news release from the New Mexico State Police reads.

“State Police agents learned that on May 27, at around 5:00 p.m. gunshots were reported to have been fired in the area of east Main Street in Red River. Officers arrived to find two deceased individuals and six injured individuals. Five of the injured individuals were transported to local hospitals, where one was later pronounced deceased. The sixth injured individual was airlifted to a Denver hospital.”

red river suspect, jacob castillo

NM State Police/Facebook (Randy Sanchez)Red River suspect Jacob Castillo (l) and one of the victims, Randy Sanchez.

Taos News reported that there were “multiple shootouts in Red River” at “the town’s 41st Annual Red River Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally” on May 27, 2023.

One person shared numerous videos from the scene on TikTok. One TikTok video showed a body lying on the sidewalk covered in a sheet.

@gabrielromero3134one victim taken out

♬ original sound – cedarman

“NMSP is investigating a shooting in Red River. The scene is active. More information will be released as it becomes available,” New Mexico State Police tweeted. The mayor of Red River told KOAT-TV that there were multiple victims but did not provide the conditions of the victims.

@gabrielromero3134prayers for all, my wife and I were across the street when this went down, thank God we’re safe….

♬ Now Look at This – Dramatello

An owner of the Motherlode Saloon told the Albuquerque Journal that “the shooting did not happen outside but along Main Street, a block west of their business.”

Videos emerged from the scene showing the law enforcement response.

According to Questa Del Rio News, authorities responded to “an active incident at the motorcycle rally in Red River. The incident occurred on Main Street, near the bars off Copper King Trail Street.”

Here’s what you need to know:


Multiple People Were Shot & the Hospital Was Locked Down, According to a Local News Site

Red River’s mayor wrote in a statement on Facebook:

In light of the active shooter incident that occurred this afternoon, we still have an active crime scene and ongoing investigation. No one will be allowed near the crime scene which includes most of Main Street. Law enforcement will be out all night and all intersections will be monitored. State police, county sheriff department and our local law enforcement are requesting local businesses to remain closed Sunday, May 28th until they complete their investigation, and the crime scene is cleared. They recommend that only essential businesses outside the area of investigation remain open.

Our number one priority is the safety and wellbeing of our local community. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work through this very difficult time together. We will continue to send updates as they transpire.

If you have questions or concerns please contact dispatch at 575-754-6166.

Questa Del Rio News wrote on Facebook, “We confirmed with officials that Holy Cross Hospital is under lockdown for the safety and security of hospital staff, patients, and victims transported from this incident.”

Police tweeted later that the hospital was secure.

According to the site, “multiple victims were shot” in an “active shooting at the rally.”

Taos News wrote on Facebook, “Shootout in Red River. Multiple gunshot victims en route to Holy Cross; hospital is locked down.”

According to Taos News, an officer said on dispatch audio, “They are shutting down Red River.” The site also reported that, according to another officer, “between 25-30 motorcyclists were headed through Taos, adding to multiple reports that large groups of bikers were either following ambulances, or headed to points south.”


Video and Photos Emerged of the Scene in Red River

People shared photos from Red River on Facebook, as well as videos on Twitter.

According to KRQUE, the motorcycle rally brings thousands of people to Red River. The rally “will take place on Thursday, May 25, and go until Memorial Day. This event brings more than 28,000 bikers from all different backgrounds. The town will also be filled with live music along with food vendors,” the television station reported.

The website Reasons to Ride says of the rally: “Join 20,000 bikers from all walks of life as they line Main Street for one crazy party. There is Live Music & Entertainment at locations throughout town, as well as Vendors, Food & Drink, and a Whole Lot More Fun Activities. There is also some great riding in the area including the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, a 84-mile loop through northern New Mexico’s most beautiful scenery.”

The motive for the shootout is not clear, and the number of suspects has not yet been released.

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