John Block, a representative for New Mexico's House District 51, said that a pro-Hamas protester, identified as Elliott Shawn Vigil, was arrested after being "removed from the Capitol for trespassing" and using racial slurs. Block made this statement in an X post on March 19.
"One of the violent pro-Hamas agitators, reported to be Elliot Shawn Vigil, was arrested yesterday after following Rep. Stefani Lord and I, hurling racial slurs at us, and being removed from the Capitol for trespassing, then refusing to obey law enforcement directives to not return," said Block, State Representative.
According to Santa Feans for Justice in Palestine, on March 18, they held a "Freedom for Palestine Day" event from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The event featured speakers, poetry, music, and performances. The group meets each Wednesday in the Rotunda at the Roundhouse to advocate for equal human and democratic rights for Palestinians and an end to U.S. military, economic, and diplomatic support for Israel in Palestinian territories.
Screenshot of State Representative John Block's March 19 post on X
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The Santa Fe New Mexican reported that New Mexico residents from Gaza attended the event on March 18. Rally attendees called on state lawmakers and leaders in higher education to divest from companies supplying Israel with services and military supplies. Organizers accused State Rep. John Block and Rep. Stefani Lord of antagonizing rally attendees and interrupting speakers.
A Yahoo News report confirmed through an email from the New Mexico State Police that Elliott Shawn Vigil was removed from the Roundhouse for trespassing and instructed not to return. He was subsequently arrested for violating that order. After altercations with protesters, Rep. Stefani Lord informed the Legislative Council Service about the verbal assault she and Block had endured. An attendee claimed Lord accused rally attendees of supporting Hamas and made other inflammatory statements.
Block is a Republican politician from Otero County and the founder of the Piñon Post, a conservative news outlet. He was re-elected in 2024 to represent House District 51. Block advocates for conservative values and free speech, with legislative priorities including limited government and individual liberties.
