I got to the statue of Juan de Oñate a bit after 5 p.m. Not too many around, but some people were noticeably carrying some large weapons. They, the New Mexico Civil Guard, told me they were there to protect the statue from vandalism. 
While they whispered to one another, trying to spot out apparent members of Antifa, I headed to the Tricentennial Stage where a prayer gathering organized by the Genízaro Nation was set to begin at 6 p.m. It was peaceful...
With the exception of two hecklers. This happened after several members of the Native American Pueblo community had spoken. It appears they were pushed to a breaking point. Things calmed down after this incident.
I eventually spoke with Ms. Aleta "Tweety" Paisano-Suazo. She told me she fought against the installation of this Oñate statue about 20 years ago. She deeply regretted responding to the hecklers the way she did.
Overall, a peaceful experience with many just listening. It’s after 6:30 now, and there’s a lot of noise out by the statue.
Many of the participants of the #GeorgeFloyd protests are with Oñate as a means to show solidarity with the Pueblo community. They have been in close contact with members of the “New Mexico Civil Guard” for some time.
I used their name in quotes originally, because the only way one identified themselves was with “NMCG” written on tape and, collectively, none of their uniforms matched.
Though they stood together, there were clear divisions.
Especially when this militia went out of their way to protect counter-protestors like this one woman with an “All Lives Matter” sign. Things are gradually getting more and more physical.
Afterwards, chants of “go home racists” began to pick up.
I left shortly after this, but as @chadloder points out, several instances of violence began to pop up. As I came back with @RachelKnappNews, there was one member of the militia clearly detained and now a large presence of @ABQPOLICE in their familiar riot gear.
To avoid confrontations with police, efforts were made to push the group back.
I recall hearing loud hits against the statue and shouting when I walked up to this. Pretty certain flashbangs and tear gas had been used. The group broke off. No other incidents with APD. Oñate was covered with signs, spray paint and a black bag over his head as I left. @krqe
