Shootings in Albuquerque, New Mexico: Five Democratic Legislatures have been Shocked by a Family Member, a Mom, and an Attorney General
Five shootings that have targeted the homes and offices of Democratic politicians in New Mexico in the past month are under investigation by police and the FBI.
The New Mexico Attorney General, two state senators, a current county commissioner, and a former commissioner have been affected by the five separate shootings, the Albuquerque Police Department said in a press release.
“Our elected officials have chosen to serve, they should never be made to feel in danger in the comfort of their own homes,” Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said. I spoke with each of the victims and they are working with other elected officials to give information about the incidents and keep them safe.
The latest shooting to be reported occurred in the early morning hours of December 10 at the former campaign office of Democrat Raul Torrez, who was elected as New Mexico Attorney General, APD said in a news release Thursday.
APD’s ShotSpotter system “detected multiple gunshots in the area of the building,” but Torrez had already moved out of the office and was not injured in the shooting, police said.
The police are assessing evidence gathered at the scene and it is in relation to the shootings of four elected officials in Albuquerque.
Someone fired shots at Adriann Barboa’s home in southeast Albuquerque at 4:41 pm on Sunday. “In early December, I returned from Christmas shopping to my home being shot up; it was terrifying,” Barboa told NPR on Friday. “My house had four shots through the front door and windows, where just hours before my grandbaby and I were playing in the living room.”
In December, Barboa said that he returned from Christmas shopping to find his home had been shot up. “It was terrifying. My house had four shots through the front door and windows, before my grand baby and I arrived.
On December 11, police said that over a dozen shots were fired at the home of then-Bernalillo County Commissioner Debbie O’Malley in the North Valley.
“Myself and my children were awakened by some loud noises. Initially I thought they were fireworks,” Lopez told CNN affiliate KOAT. It is very frightening. You don’t want to experience that as a mom.
The Albuquerque Police Chief’s Rejoinder of the January 5 Violence that killed a New Mexico State Senator, Antonio Moe Maestas
A fourth shooting took place on January 5 when police received reports “of gunshots heard in the area of a downtown law office” where state Sen. Antonio Moe Maestas works.
In the attacks, multiple rounds have been fired into the doors and walls of buildings — in some cases while elected officials were inside with their families — but no one has been hurt.
She said it reminded her how gun violence is a significant issue in her home state of New Mexico. Many of my neighbors experience the same thing on a regular basis.
Bernalillo County Commissioner Adriann Barboa, whose home was the first to come under fire, told NPR on Friday that the attacks have been difficult to process, “especially knowing that other women of color elected officials have also been targeted.”
“We’re grateful that nobody was hurt, but we also realize that we have to move quickly,” the Albuquerque Police Chief said at the news conference.
His point was underscored by the fact that police planned to show the shootings on Thursday, after the state senator’s home was shot at on Tuesday, followed by a second shooting of another state senator’s office.
“We’re worried and concerned that these are connected and possibly politically motivated or personally motivated,” Keller said. We do not know that for a fact.
First victim of gun violence: Linda Lopez, a representative of the Albuquerque legislature, said at least eight shots were fired at her home
Tuesday, Jan. 3 — The home of state Sen. Linda Lopez was targeted in southwest Albuquerque. “At least eight shots were fired at her home after midnight,” Gallegos said. Showing reporters from the Albuquerque Journal multiple bullet holes in her garage, Lopez said it was the first time she experienced “a very personal attack on me and my family.”
The attacks on elected officials are a top priority for investigators, Medina said at Thursday’s news conference, adding that the police are collating evidence, including video collected by intersection cameras and reports by ShotSpotter installations that detect gunfire.
The authorities are asking the public for help, hoping residents might send in information about people or vehicles near the attacks, or threats made on social media toward the politicians.
Medina said his department is reaching out to elected officials in order to gain a sense of their safety concerns, as well as to ponder whether law enforcement needs to provide additional security to politicians.
Many of the people I love, my neighbors, and our communities have been impacted by violence like this. “We must do more to end gun violence in and against our communities.”