Former Republican Candidate Solomon Peña Arrested for Allegedly Paying to Shoot at Homes of State Legislators and County Commissioners

Solomon Peña, a former Republican candidate for state office in New Mexico, was arrested Monday by Albuquerque police for allegedly paying and conspiring with four men to shoot at the homes of two state legislators and two county commissioners in December and January.

Peña, who lost his 2022 run for state House District 14, is facing multiple criminal charges ahead of his first scheduled court appearance. He is currently in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque.

According to authorities, Peña is accused of masterminding a series of shootings targeting the homes of four Democratic lawmakers in Albuquerque since early December. He was arrested on four counts each of shooting at a dwelling or occupied building, shooting at or from a motor vehicle and conspiracy to commit a felony, along with one count each of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and unlawful criminal solicitation. He was also charged with one felony count of “receipt, transportation or possession of a firearm or destructive device by certain persons.”

Gunshots were fired into the homes of Bernalillo County Commissioner Adriann Barboa on December 4; incoming state House Speaker Javier Martinez on December 8; then-Bernalillo Commissioner Debbie O’Malley on December 11; and state Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero on January 15.

After his 2022 election loss, Peña attributed his defeat to a “rigged” election. It is unclear if his alleged actions were related to his loss.

The investigation is ongoing and authorities have not released any further information.