Key takeaways:
- Solomon Peña, a failed New Mexico GOP candidate, has been arrested and charged with shooting at the homes of Democratic politicians.
- Peña visited the homes of his alleged targets to dispute his election loss before the shootings.
- The shootings have been condemned by local Democratic leaders and the New Mexico Democratic Party.
A failed New Mexico GOP candidate has been arrested and charged with shooting at the homes of Democratic politicians. Solomon Peña, who ran for state House in 2022, is accused of conspiring with and paying four men to carry out four shootings at the residences of two Bernalillo County commissioners and two state legislators in Albuquerque.
Before the shootings, Peña visited the homes of his alleged targets to dispute his election loss, according to a report from NBC News. He was reportedly “erratic” in his complaints about the election, and said the number of votes didn’t match the number of doors he knocked on.
Albuquerque police said they have been investigating at least six shootings between December 4 and January 5. Peña was taken into custody on Monday, January 16.
The shootings have been condemned by local Democratic leaders. Bernalillo County Commissioner Adriann Barboa said, “This is a very serious situation and we are thankful that no one was hurt. We are grateful to the Albuquerque Police Department for their swift action in apprehending the suspect.”
The New Mexico Democratic Party also released a statement, saying, “We are appalled by the violence and threats of violence that have been perpetrated against Democratic elected officials in our state. We will not stand for this kind of behavior and will continue to work to ensure that all New Mexicans can participate in our democracy without fear of violence or intimidation.”
The investigation into the shootings is ongoing.
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