Following a dramatic trial, former Republican candidate Solomon Peña was convicted of all charges related to a series of drive-by shootings aimed at Democratic officials in New Mexico. He now faces a lengthy prison sentence while planning an appeal.
Former GOP Candidate Convicted for Orchestrating Shootings Against New Mexico Democrats
Former GOP Candidate Convicted for Orchestrating Shootings Against New Mexico Democrats
Solomon Peña faces significant prison time after being found guilty on multiple charges related to a shooting plot targeting Democratic officials.
In a high-profile case that has drawn national attention, Solomon Peña, a former Republican candidate who lost a bid for a New Mexico statehouse seat, was found guilty on all 13 counts related to orchestrated drive-by shootings targeting Democratic officials. The incidents occurred between December 2022 and January 2023, shortly after Peña’s election defeat, during which no one was injured, despite bullets entering the bedroom of a state senator's 10-year-old daughter.
The jury's deliberation lasted approximately five hours, concluding with a verdict on Wednesday. Peña's charges include conspiracy, weapons offenses, and interference with federally protected activities. Two other co-defendants, Demetrio Trujillo and his son Jose Trujillo, had previously pleaded guilty in connection with the case.
Peña's attorney, Nicholas Hart, criticized the trial, describing it as politically motivated and indicating plans to appeal the verdict. The former candidate was apprehended in January 2023, accused of financing the shootings and sending texts specifying the targets' addresses.
The criminal activity began when shots were fired at the residences of three Democratic officials, which included a state senator and a county commissioner. Despite losing the election by a significant margin, Peña disputed the results, claiming the election was rigged and personally approached local officials demanding they refrain from certifying the results.
The trial commenced on March 10 and concluded after over two weeks of testimony. If sentenced on the federal charges, Peña could face a mandatory minimum prison term of 60 years. This conviction adds to Peña’s criminal history, which includes a prior conviction in 2008 for several state-level offenses leading to a period of incarceration.
With a troubled background and now facing severe penalties, the case raises alarms about political violence and election integrity in the United States.
