Former GOP Candidate Arrested In String Of Shootings Targeting Democratic Lawmakers’ Homes

Topline

Albuquerque Police on Monday arrested a former Republican candidate, who lost a state election in November and then falsely claimed the election was “rigged”, in connection with a string of shootings targeting Democratic lawmakers and officials in New Mexico.

Key Facts

Solomon Pena was taken into custody on Monday evening by a SWAT team which also executed search warrants at his home, police officials announced in a press conference.

Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina said Pena was “the mastermind” that was behind a series of shootings that targeted the homes of two state lawmakers and two county commissioners which took place between December and January.

Pena is accused of paying four men to carry out at least two of the four shootings using stolen cars while Pena himself carried out the shooting in one of the instances, police said.

Despite losing to incumbent Democratic state Rep. Miguel P. Garcia in November’s state House elections by a landslide margin of 48 points.

In the last post made on his official Twitter account, Pena expressed his support for former President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign and added that he had “never conceded” his race and was “researching” his options.

During his campaign and after losing the election Pena repeated the baseless claim that the election was rigged in favor of his opponent.

Crucial Quote

Commenting on the arrest Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller tweeted: “This radicalism is a threat to our city, our state, and our nation. We will continue to push back against hate in all forms and stop political violence.”

Key Background

A day after losing to his Democratic opponent by a landslide Pena tweeted out “I dissent. I am the MAGA king.” A few days later he would visit the homes of three Bernalillo County commissioners and State Senator Linda Lopez (D) with some paperwork to complain about the results and baselessly claim that the elections were rigged. The police say the officials and the senator were “puzzled and surprised” by Pena’s claims and one of the visits even triggered “quite an argument.” The shootings would take place shortly after these visits and one of the homes targeted belonged to State Sen. Lopez. In July, the Albuquerque Journal reported about Pena’s past criminal convictions including felony burglary and larceny convictions. Even if he had won the election Pena’s criminal record may have blocked him from taking office as a state law bars people with prior felonies from holding elected office.

Section Title

Failed Republican candidate arrested in shootings targeting Democratic politicians’ homes (The Albuquerque Journal)

Republican Ex-Candidate Arrested in Shootings Targeting New Mexico Democrats (New York Times)