Trump rally

Trump rally rocked by chaotic protests

By Ben Schreckinger

Raucous protests outside a Donald Trump rally in Albuquerque on Tuesday night led to a temporary lockdown at the front of the site, where a glass window was shattered.

Police confirmed other minor property damage related to the protest and officers on horseback were seen trying to keep the situation at the Albuquerque Convention Center under control.

Initial reports indicated that a gunshot or shots had been heard, but Albuquerque police tweeted there was "no confirmation that any gunshots were fired." The tweet said the sound may have been that of a pellet gun.

Protesters numbered in the hundreds. Down the road from the convention center, protesters waved Mexican flags and chanted “F--- Donald Trump.”

The protests gridlocked several blocks around the convention center with scores of pick-up trucks, motorbikes and cars clogging the streets. Many loudly revved their engines and several cars emitted clouds of smoke.

Police tweets also indicated that tear gas had not been used for crowd control.

The aftermath of Trump’s evening rallies often includes tense standoffs between protesters, supporters and police, but the Albuquerque protest was among the largest and most disruptive of the campaign.

During the rally, demonstrators repeatedly interrupted the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, who fired back with taunts. “He can’t get a date so he’s doing this instead,” Trump cracked of one. “How old is this kid?” he asked of another, adding: “Still wearing diapers.”

Trump also derided Elizabeth “Pocahontas” Warren and his presumptive general election opponent, Hillary Clinton. “She screams,” he said. “It drives me crazy. I can’t listen. She goes and says, ‘Donald Trump is a terrible person. He wanted to buy housing when it was at a low point.’ Who the hell doesn’t?”

One of Trump’s introductory speakers took Clinton-bashing one step further with a joke. “If Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are on a boat together — if they’re on a boat together and it sinks. Who survives? America!” said local attorney David Chavez before the candidate took the stage.

New Mexico primary voters go to the polls on June 7.