Solomon Peña, a failed Republican candidate, was found guilty of hiring individuals to shoot at the homes of local Democratic leaders following his loss in an election for the New Mexico House of Representatives. He was charged with multiple felonies, including solicitation to commit violence and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The shootings targeted the homes of four elected officials. Peña faces life in prison for his role in organizing the shooting spree, while his co-defendants, Demetrio Trujillo and his son Jose Trujillo, have pleaded guilty to similar charges.
Peña’s attorney, Nicholas T. Hart, argued that his client was not responsible for the shootings and was being prosecuted for his political beliefs. The evidence presented in court pointed to Demetrio and Jose Trujillo as the individuals who carried out the shootings. Hart claimed that the father and son were trying to shift the blame onto Peña in order to avoid prison time.
The indictment did not specify the names of the targeted elected officials but identified them as a state senator, two members of the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners, and a political ally. Some of the officials, such as Bernalillo County Commissioner Adriann Barboa and former County Commissioner Debbie O’Malley, publicly shared their experiences with Peña’s erratic behavior following the election.
Overall, Peña’s conviction serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of political polarization and the dangerous actions that individuals may take when unable to accept electoral defeat.
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