In Albuquerque, New Mexico, a jury has found Solomon Peña, a former political candidate, guilty of multiple federal offenses tied to a series of drive-by shootings at the residences of state and local lawmakers. These incidents occurred in the post-2020-election climate of Albuquerque. The charges against the former Republican candidate totaled 13 and included conspiracy, weapons charges, and interference with federally protected activities. These arose from shootings at the homes of four Democratic figures, including the current state House speaker, during December 2022 and January 2023.
The attacks occurred in a period of heightened threats and intimidation directed at election workers and public officials nationwide, spurred by former President Donald Trump and his allies’ challenges to the 2020 presidential election results. Prosecutors claimed Peña turned to violence, believing a fraudulent election cheated him of a win in his state Legislature bid. The homes of officials, including two county commissioners who certified the 2022 election results in which Peña was defeated by a significant margin, were targeted. No physical injuries were reported; however, a state senator’s 10-year-old daughter’s bedroom was nearly hit by bullet fire.
Defense lawyers insisted that Peña had no involvement in the shootings, arguing that prosecutors relied on testimonies from two men responsible for the attacks who had accepted plea deals for reduced sentences. Peña faces a potential life sentence, with plans from his defense team to appeal the decision. His attorney, Nicholas Hart, described the verdict as a “travesty,” asserting that the evidence did not implicate Peña and that he was targeted due to his political views and support of claims concerning the 2020 election.
During the trial, jurors heard over a week of testimony involving the victimized officials, investigators, and Peña’s alleged co-conspirators. Demetrio Trujillo and his son Jose Trujillo, who were involved in the shootings, had already pleaded guilty to federal charges. Since his January 2023 arrest, Peña has remained in custody. Among the weapon-related allegations was that Peña discharged a machine gun connected to violent crimes. Scheduling for Peña’s sentencing hearing is still pending.