By Molly Ann Howell
Managing Editor

Following multiple alleged online threats against citizens, city officials, and committee members, the City of Gallup suspended all public meeting livestreams on Aug. 21 until further notice.

The alleged threats—sent to officials via private Facebook posts rather than public post comments—included warnings of arson, property destruction, and direct harm to individuals. Most messages reportedly voiced anger over the proposed Convalt Manufacturing solar campus and fears regarding its potential impact on the local water supply.

Specific messages targeted the City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission. One user, Malford Lee, urged others to “Show up at they’re homes & mess with they’re water system.” Another user, Dana Williams, asked, “Maybe another Riot would help Gallup?” while a third, Van Derdys, wrote, “So… when we gonna burn the place?” Other posts accused council members of accepting bribes.

Mayor Marc DePauli made the executive decision to halt the streams and immediately alerted the Gallup Police, New Mexico State Police, and the FBI Aug. 21.

“As the mayor of the City of Gallup, I have to take any threats taken against the citizens of Gallup or the surrounding area seriously,” DePauli said in an interview with the Sun. “I’m responsible for the protection of life and property and the safety of the citizens of Gallup.”

The decision drew swift backlash online and at the Aug. 25 council meeting.

Residents voiced frustration, explaining that health conditions, work schedules, and safety concerns—such as driving at night—prevent them from attending in person.

A resident named Barbra called the stream an “auxiliary aid to civic participation,” questioning how cutting the feed helps law enforcement identify suspects.

Former City Attorney David Eason warned the council that ending the streams violates the Open Meetings Act, which guarantees public access to government affairs. Eason pointed out that Councilor Sarah Piano, Dist. 3, was participating in the meeting remotely via livestream.

The city councilors couldn’t respond to the public’s comments during the public comment section of the meeting. Instead, they spoke on the topic at their designated time at the end of the meeting.

Councilor Sierra Yazzie Asamoa-Tutu, Dist. 2, said that in a time when so much is going on in the city, specifically surrounding the topics of new developments and land use, she believes that people should have access to accurate information.

“Oftentimes we’re hearing and seeing people react to things that are just rumors, and that’s not helpful,” she said. “I know social media will always be a forum for people to vent and express their opinions, but if you’re truly interested in building community, I believe that needs face-to-face interactions.”

She welcomed people to come and talk to her and the other councilors if they had any questions or concerns.

Councilor Ron Molina, Dist. 4, also encouraged people to come and talk to him. When the press release was published, he shared it on his personal Facebook page, and posted his phone number, encouraging people to call him to talk about any issues they have.

In an Aug. 24 interview with the Sun, Molina said he believes the council should’ve been involved in the decision to suspend the live streaming. He also called attention to the people accusing councilors of taking bribes.

“What bothers me is they’re after our integrity,” Molina said. “The sad thing is I’m the most honest guy in town, and for God’s sake, my grandchildren read these things. My grandchildren know me, but still, it’s unhealthy for young people to be reading these things.”

Councilor Linda Garcia, Dist. 1, who served as mayor pro tem in DePauli’s absence, spoke out against the people making the threats. DePauli was at another meeting, serving in his role as mayor.

She thanked those in attendance, acknowledging the extra effort some of them may have taken to attend the meeting that evening. She acknowledged that while some people may consider the threats to people using their right to freedom of speech, she called the threats to her and her fellow councilors inappropriate.

She has served on the council for 13 years, and she said she’s experienced a number of threats in her time, including people scratching up her car, throwing books through her windows, and harassing her at the grocery store.

“It takes one crazy person to do something,” she said.

As of Aug. 27, authorities haven’t identified the suspects, and the city’s suspension remains active

The Sun livestreamed the Aug. 25 meeting on our Facebook page and will continue coverage until the official broadcasts resume.

As for the issue of Convalt Manufacturing, look for the Sept. 4 issue of the Sun to read about the recent rezoning decisions that opened the doors to them building a campus in the area.