Former GOP New Mexico candidate convicted in election-related shootings

• Former New Mexico Republican candidate Solomon Peña masterminded shootings at Democratic officials’ homes after a crushing 2022 election loss. He was convicted of conspiracy, firearms offenses and solicitation to commit violence.
• Peña directed two accomplices to conduct drive-by shootings, targeting Democratic officials and endangering innocent lives, including a 10-year-old girl.
• Peña’s conviction underscores the escalating threats against public officials, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures.

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A jury found a former Republican candidate in New Mexico guilty on Wednesday, March 19, of orchestrating a series of shootings at the homes of Democratic officials after losing an election.

The jury convicted Solomon Peña, 41, on 13 federal charges, including conspiracy, firearms offenses and solicitation to commit violence. He faces a possible life sentence.

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What led to the attacks?

Peña lost his 2022 race for the New Mexico House of Representatives by nearly 50 percentage points but refused to accept the results.

Prosecutors said he recruited and directed two men, Demetrio and Jose Trujillo, to carry out four drive-by shootings between December 2022 and January 2023.

The attackers targeted a state senator and two county commissioners. They did not injure anyone, but bullets tore through a 10-year-old girl’s bedroom during one shooting.

At least one attacker used a machine gun.

Co-conspirators involved in shootings

Peña’s co-defendants, the Trujillos, pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy and firearms charges and face up to life in prison.

Prosecutors said Peña supplied the firearms and provided the targets’ addresses.

The jury also convicted Peña of illegal firearm possession, citing his previous burglary conviction.

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What was Peña’s defense?

Peña’s attorney argued he was wrongfully prosecuted for his political beliefs and claimed the Trujillos acted alone to avoid longer prison sentences. But prosecutors presented evidence linking Peña to the planning and execution of the attacks.

Peña remains in federal custody awaiting sentencing. His case highlights growing threats against public officials following contested election results.