At least five Native men have been attacked and beaten in what officials in Grants, New Mexico, are calling a series of hate crimes.

The men reported being attacked between June 9 and June 18. One suspect, Shawn Longoria, 22, has been charged with six counts of aggravated battery, third degree felony charges; robbery and aggravated burglary in connection with the incidents.

Detective Kevin Dobbs said the police department received an anonymous tip that a man was bragging about beating up Native men. The man claimed the attacks were retaliation for the decision of the New Mexico Cultural Properties Review Committee to place sacred Mount Taylor on the Register of Cultural Properties.

“The amount of response we've received from the public has been phenomenal,” Dobbs told The Cibola Beacon. “The citizens of Grants won't stand for it.”

Dobbs said the FBI has been notified of possible hate crimes. More suspects are being sought in connection with the attacks.

Get the Story:
Help coming for victims of hate crimes (The Cibola Beacon 7/2)
Milan man arrested in beating cases (The Cibola Beacon 6/29)
Milan man arrested in Native beatings (The Gallup Independent 6/30)

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