Man charged in New Mexico protest melee to be released

  ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A man who opened fire after a fight broke out as protesters tried to tear down a statue of a Spanish conquistador is being released from custody pending trial. The decision was made Monday during a detention hearing for Steven Ray Baca. He's facing a weapons charge and charges of battery for interactions with three unidentified women during the protest. One man was shot and injured during the June 15 confrontation in Albuquerque. Debate over what to do with the Juan de Oñate statue and other Spanish representations around New Mexico is ongoing. Petitioners are seeking to protect targeted monuments in Santa Fe.