At least 3 killed, 5 injured in New Mexico motorcycle rally shooting

May 28 (UPI) -- At least three people were killed, and more were injured during a shootout at an annual Red River, N.M., motorcycle rally.

Shooting broke out between motorcyclists at the 41st Annual Red River Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally on Saturday at about 5 p.m. At least five people were injured and received medical care, the New Mexico State Police tweeted.

Police confirmed around midnight that the scene was secured and there was no ongoing threat to public safety. One victim who was injured was airlifted to a hospital in Denver. Others were taken to Holy Cross Hospital in Taos, about 36 miles away, and University of New Mexico Health in Albuquerque -- about 170 miles away.

Police secured the two hospitals in New Mexico and notified authorities in Denver to do the same. The state police did not say why the hospitals were being secured, according to the Albuquerque Journal.

"It's the first time we've ever had anything like this," said Red River Mayor Linda Calhoun. "We do have accidents, we have had deaths before, but nothing ever like this."

Calhoun said all of those involved were members of biker gangs, CNN reported.

All of those involved in the shooting are in police custody. During a press conference Sunday, New Mexico State Police Chief Tim Johnson said all eight who were involved were members of one of two "outlaw" motorcycle gangs: the Bandidos and the Water Dogs.

The deceased were 26-year-old Anthony Silva, 46-year-old Randy Sanchez and 46-year-old Damian Breaux.

Johnson said charges have been filed against some of the individuals who survived the gunfight. Jacob David Castillo, 30, of Rio Rancho, N.M., is charged with a count of open murder. He remains hospitalized and will be booked at the Taos County Detention Center upon release.

Christopher Garcia, 41, of Texas, is charged with possession of cocaine and has been booked into the detention center.

Mathew Charles Jackson, 39, of Austin, Texas, is charged with unlawful carrying of a firearm and has been booked into the detention center.

Three more males, ranging between 31 and 53 years old, were injured and have not been charged with a crime.

"I'll apologize initially to the law-abiding citizens that came to Red River to have a good Memorial Day weekend. Not the gangbangers that are ruining it for all of them," Johnson said. "For everyone, there will be zero tolerance from this point forward. That is traffic violations for 1 mph over, seatbelt, jaywalking -- we are going to stop and talk to everyone if they violate any law. Anyone who can be arrested will be arrested."

Calhoun confirmed on Facebook that the scene was located on Main Street, which was largely closed down for the ensuing investigation. Law enforcement and the city requested that businesses stay closed on Sunday.

The motorcycle rally draws about 28,000 bikers to the resort town in the mountains of Taos County.

The investigation into the case remains open. Anyone with tips or video are urged to contact the New Mexico State Police at 505-425-6771.