Former GOP New Mexico state House candidate indicted in shootings targeting elected officials

A grand jury in New Mexico has indicted a former Republican candidate for state legislature on 14 felony fees in relation to conspiring with and paying 4 males to shoot on the properties and companies of elected officers, the Bernalillo County District Lawyer’s workplace mentioned in a press release Monday.

Solomon Peña was arrested on Jan. 16 over what officers known as “politically motivated” shootings. Peña was the Republican candidate for New Mexico’s District 14 in November and subsequently misplaced to incumbent Democrat Miguel P. Garcia.

Peña was indicted on 14 counts, together with three counts of felony solicitation to commit taking pictures at a dwelling or occupied constructing, two counts of conspiracy to commit a taking pictures at a dwelling or occupied constructing, one depend of taking pictures at a dwelling or occupied constructing and two counts transportation or possession of a firearm or damaging gadget.

Police mentioned that they believed Peña was the “mastermind” behind the 4 shootings that came about between Dec. 4 and Jan. 4 at elected officers properties. The police additionally mentioned that Peña was with one other suspect in a automobile after the newest taking pictures came about, the place police mentioned they discovered a gun with ballistics indicating that it was associated to the taking pictures.

Police have beforehand mentioned nobody was injured in any of the 4 shootings.

“We wish to thank the Albuquerque Police Division and our different legislation enforcement companions for bringing Mr. Pena to justice,” Bernalillo County District Lawyer Sam Bregman mentioned in a press release Monday. “An assault on elected leaders is an assault on our democracy.”