The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce today issued the following statement regarding the events that unfolded in Downtown Albuquerque on Tuesday, May 24, 2016:

"It's unfortunate that the disgusting actions of the few during the Trump rally in Downtown Albuquerque on Tuesday have overshadowed the beauty of this state and its people; now those actions are playing out on a national stage. America is a great nation because we are afforded the great privilege of free speech'the freedom to form and express individual opinions. And with that freedom, we also have a responsibility to express our thoughts in ways which communicate our positions, but do not cause property damage, cruelty to animals, or harm or fear to those around us.

The rioting that happened Tuesday night in Downtown Albuquerque was not a demonstration of free speech. It was an excuse for cowardice actions and mayhem positioned under the guise of political freedom; these actions crossed the line. The people of New Mexico deserve to be outraged. As a community, we're better than this.

We appreciate the restraint of APD officers throughout the long night. We will encourage our business members to help bring to justice the people responsible for the crimes which occurred Tuesday night by donating to Crime Stoppers."

-Terri Cole, President and CEO, on behalf of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce

About the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce mission is to make our community a place where businesses can grow and prosper, where people want to raise their families and where tourists want to visit. As the voice of business since 1917, we envision New Mexicans living in safe neighborhoods, working in rewarding careers at thriving businesses, while their children attend great schools, and enjoy their leisure time in one of the most beautiful regions on Earth. More information about the Chamber is accessible online at www.abqchamber.com.