New Mexico
New Mexico officials respond to suspected Trump assassination attempt
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico officials issued statements Saturday in the wake of a suspected assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
Gunfire rang out Saturday while Trump spoke at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Secret Service officials whisked the former president off-stage.
According to law enforcement in the area, one person died. Multiple people were wounded, including Trump who described the incident on social media. The suspected shooter is dead.
Leaders from across the political spectrum in New Mexico condemned the shooting.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) issued this statement:
“I’m horrified by today’s shooting in Butler, Pa. that resulted in the death of a spectator at a political rally and injuries to others, including former President Donald Trump. I condemn in the strongest possible terms political violence of any kind.
I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the victim who lost their life today, and I pray for the full recovery of former President Trump and others who were hurt by this reprehensible act of gun violence.
Americans must reject and denounce any attempt to resolve our political differences with bloodshed instead of democracy. With a presidential election looming, we must redouble our commitment to respectful and constructive discourse, regardless of political affiliation. New Mexico will do its part to ensure the safety and security of all and to uphold the values of democracy, justice, and civility.”
New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse-Oliver echoed the governor’s sentiments, posting on social media, in part, “What a dark day in our country. Political violence is never the answer. Never. Never!”
The Democratic Party of New Mexico also issued a statement on social media after the shooting:
“DPNM condemns the attack that occurred at the Trump rally today as strongly as possible. Political violence has absolutely no place in our Democracy. We wish for Trump’s full and speedy recovery.”
Republican Party of New Mexico Chairman Steve Pearce issued this statement:
“We are praying that President Trump was not severely harmed by the attack and for the other citizens who also may have been injured at his rally. This is despicable behavior, that we as nation must condemn.”
New Mexico’s Congressional delegation also issued statements:
U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D): “Gun violence has no place on our streets, in politics or in the Democratic discourse. As information continues to unfold, let me be clear that I strongly condemn acts of violence against anyone, regardless of political party. I wish President Trump a safe & speedy recovery as well as anyone involved in this incident.”
U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D): “Political violence has no place in our democracy. Thank you to the Secret Service and other law enforcement officials who worked quickly to keep people safe. I wish those injured a quick recovery and prayers for the life lost.”
U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D): “I wish former President Trump a speedy recovery and send my prayers to him, his family, and anyone else who was affected by this cowardly act. No matter how much we disagree, violence never has a place in our democracy.”
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D): “Violence has absolutely no place in our politics. I’m grateful for the quick response of Secret Service and law enforcement personnel who rushed the former president to safety. My thoughts are with the former president and his family, and I hope he recovers quickly.”
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D): “There is NO place for violence in political discourse. While we wait for more information on what happened in Butler, PA today, we must be clear: We can disagree on any number of things, but violence will never be tolerated.”
Some state lawmakers also offered statements in the wake of the shooting.
Senate Republican Leader Greg Baca (R-Belen), Senate Republican Whip Craig Brandt (R-Rio Rancho), and Senate Republican Caucus Chair Mark Moores (R-Albuquerque) issued the following joint statement:
“We are deeply shocked and outraged to learn about the assassination attempt of President Trump. This senseless act of violence is an attack not only on our President, but on the very fabric of our democracy.
This fraught moment in American history warrants solidarity. We must stand united against violence lest we degrade into a third world country.
We must let the law enforcement agencies do their work to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety of our nation. Now more than ever, it is crucial for us to uphold the principles of peace, justice, and the rule of law.”
New Mexico House Speaker Javier Martinez said on social media, “Shocked and appalled by the violence at the rally in Butler, PA today. We must stand together as a nation to condemn political violence in all its forms.” New Mexico Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth said something similar, “I am horrified by today’s events. Political violence is never the answer.”
New Mexico
South Valley business estimates $1M in damages after recycling plant fire
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A local business owner estimates he suffered about $1 million in damages as the result of yet another fire at a South Valley recycling plant.
Town Recycling on Broadway Blvd. SE has witnessed two fires in a span of less than two weeks with the first happening May 23rd and the second occurring Tuesday of this week.
Khalil Samaha, who owns Samcar, Inc. and Cedar’s Construction next door, says his businesses escaped without serious damage from the first fire, but the second one led to the loss of his main building, inventory he sells including trucks, construction equipment, computers, records, and much more.
“It’s a total mess. Everything is on the ground with water and insulation. It’s a total loss,” he said.
He gave KOB 4 a tour of his damaged property Wednesday and says that county officials have condemned the main office and won’t let him back inside.
“You can see all the glass is popped,” he said pointing to the windows. “I don’t know if the firefighters broke them or they exploded.”
A spokesperson for Bernalillo County Fire and Rescue issued a statement saying that, based on witness accounts, both fires may have started in a “bale of cardboard” at the recycling facility.
As of Wednesday evening, Broadway between Prosperity and Rio Bravo remained closed.
Samaha says firefighters attempted to battle the second fire from a different area than the first and the wind may have made conditions tougher.
“This time, the wind didn’t help,” he said. “So, it was blowing in my direction and took the building and some equipment in the back.”
Having seen two fires at the neighboring recycling facility in a span of about 11 days, he wonders if this will finally be the end of it.
“I hope it’s the last time. But, worried? Yes, we are worried,” he said. “We are close to them, and the materials are close to the fence. We share the fence together, so it’s always in the back of your mind.”
And now he lives with the memory of how quickly everything can change – just like it did earlier this week.
“It was very quick. From the smoke to the flame to the fire, it was very, very quick.”
A representative of Town Recycling declined our request for an interview.
New Mexico
New Mexico Highlands University president sues school
LAS VEGAS, N.M. – New Mexico Highlands University President Niel Woolf has sued the school, claiming leaders pushed him to redirect a $600,000 contract to a chairman’s friend.
Woolf filed the lawsuit after the university placed him on administrative leave at the beginning of May.
He says Board of Regents Chair Frank Sanchez told him to cancel a $600,000 agreement with an out-of-state contractor and give it to a local contractor.
Woolf says that company is led by a friend of both Sanchez and his brother-in-law, Sen. Pete Campos, who represents Las Vegas.
In the lawsuit, Woolf says Sanchez told him directing the funds to his friend would “go a long way towards securing money for the University from Senator Campos,” said Woolf.
Woolf is seeking damages and attorney’s fees under the New Mexico Whistleblower Protection Act.
New Mexico
Cumbres & Toltec to begin summer season June 9
CHAMA, N.M. – The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad will begin its summer season on Tuesday, June 9, after the railroad delayed its opening due to drought and wildfire danger.
The season was initially set to begin on May 23. The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission said it would conduct a review on June 2 to determine if it was safe enough to begin operations.
“A sincere thank you to all our passengers and the communities in Chama and Antonito who have been so patient as we waited for conditions to improve,” said Eric Mason, CEO of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. “We are excited to welcome guests back aboard and hear the opening whistle signal the start of another memorable season.”
The railroad will hold a Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, June 13, in Chama. The celebration will coincide with Chama Western Heritage Days, a community festival that weekend with live music, vendors, and rodeo competitions.
The railroad recently won USA TODAY’S poll for the best scenic train ride in the country. In celebration of the win, the railroad said passengers who book by June 7 ca receive a 25% discount on coach tickets for trips through August. Guests must redeem the offer by calling the railroad at 888-286-2737 using promo code USATODAY#1.
Tickets are also available for the first Dark Sky Train departures on June 12 from Chama and June 13 from Antonito. The dark sky trains include evening excursions led by international dark sky guides, and take passengers to secluded spots with minimal light pollution.
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