A federal jury has found Solomon Peña guilty on multiple charges, including conspiracy and weapons offenses, after he allegedly coordinated shootings aimed at Democratic officials in New Mexico following his electoral defeat.
Ex-New Mexico Republican Candidate Found Guilty in Shooting Conspiracy Against Democrats
Ex-New Mexico Republican Candidate Found Guilty in Shooting Conspiracy Against Democrats
Solomon Peña, a former Republican legislative candidate, convicted of orchestrating drive-by shootings targeting Democratic officials' homes.
In January 2023, Solomon Peña was arrested in Albuquerque for orchestrating a series of drive-by shootings targeting the homes of four Democratic officials. Following a jury deliberation lasting about five hours, Peña was convicted on 13 counts, including conspiracy, weapons-related charges, and interference with federally protected activities. The case stems from incidents that occurred in December 2022 and January 2023, during which no injuries were reported. Authorities indicated that some bullets fired at the residences penetrated the bedroom of a child, adding to the severity of the actions.
Peña's actions followed his loss in the 2022 statehouse election, where despite substantial defeat, he refused to concede, alleging election fraud and urging Democratic officials not to certify the results. His lawyer described the trial outcome as politically motivated and indicated plans to appeal the conviction. Two co-defendants, Demetrio Trujillo and his son, Jose Trujillo, had previously pleaded guilty in connection with the case.
The trial began on March 10 and spanned two weeks, presenting a range of testimony that ultimately led to Peña's conviction. Prosecutors indicated that Peña could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 60 years in prison. Peña has a prior criminal history, having been convicted in 2008 on several state charges, serving prison time before being released in 2016.
As the political landscape increasingly intertwines with law enforcement issues, Peña's case highlights the extreme actions some individuals may resort to amid political loss and perceived grievances against electoral processes.
Peña's actions followed his loss in the 2022 statehouse election, where despite substantial defeat, he refused to concede, alleging election fraud and urging Democratic officials not to certify the results. His lawyer described the trial outcome as politically motivated and indicated plans to appeal the conviction. Two co-defendants, Demetrio Trujillo and his son, Jose Trujillo, had previously pleaded guilty in connection with the case.
The trial began on March 10 and spanned two weeks, presenting a range of testimony that ultimately led to Peña's conviction. Prosecutors indicated that Peña could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 60 years in prison. Peña has a prior criminal history, having been convicted in 2008 on several state charges, serving prison time before being released in 2016.
As the political landscape increasingly intertwines with law enforcement issues, Peña's case highlights the extreme actions some individuals may resort to amid political loss and perceived grievances against electoral processes.
