A federal jury in Albuquerque has returned a guilty verdict against Solomon Peña, a former candidate for the New Mexico House of Representatives, in connection to a spate of drive-by shootings targeting the residences of Democratic state and local lawmakers. The jury’s conviction came on Wednesday, following incidents that occurred in the wake of the 2020 election, between December 2022 and January 2023.
The homes of four elected officials were targeted during this period. In June 2023, a grand jury had indicted Peña on 11 counts which included conspiracy, the use of firearms in a crime of violence, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and using a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Prosecutors asserted that Peña orchestrated and funded the shootings, enlisting co-defendants Demetrio Trujillo and Jose Louise Trujillo to carry out the attacks against officials responsible for certifying his election results. Among the accusations, Peña was also accused of discharging a 300 Blackout AR-15 pistol at the residence of Senator Linda Lopez.
The jury convicted Peña on several charges, including conspiracy, intimidation and interference with federally protected activities, and multiple counts of using or carrying a firearm in connection with crimes of violence. This also included one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and solicitation to commit a crime of violence.
In a joint statement, Senators Linda Lopez, Debbie O’Malley, and Commissioner Adriann Barboa expressed relief, asserting, “Justice has been served.” They highlighted the sanctity and safety expected in one’s home, emphasizing that the verdict underlines a stance against threats or acts of violence within the community.
Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina also supported the verdict, underscoring the unexpected transition from political rhetoric to violence, and stressed that political violence will not be overlooked within the city (Albuquerque Journal).
Solomon Peña’s sentencing date remains pending, but he is facing a mandatory minimum of 60 years and could receive a life sentence.