Former GOP candidate shot dead at home of Democratic lawmakers

ALBUQUERQUE: A Republican candidate in the state legislature who authorities say was angry that he lost last November’s election and made baseless claims that the polls were “rigged” against him has been arrested Monday in connection with a series of drive-by shootings targeting the homes of Democrats. legislators in New Mexico’s largest city.
Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina describe Solomon Pena as the “mastermind” of what appears to be a politically motivated criminal conspiracy leading to four shootings at or near the homes of two county commissioners and two state legislators between December and January. Pena lost in November to the incumbent Republican Michael Garciathe longtime Democrat representing District 14 of the House in the South Valley. Garcia won by 48 percentage points, or about 3,600 votes.
Police say Pena, an election denier, approached county and state lawmakers after his loss, saying the contest was rigged against him despite no evidence of widespread voter fraud in New Mexico in 2020 or 2022. The shootings began shortly after these conversations. The New Mexico State Canvassing Council unanimously certified the November poll results.
“This type of radicalism is a threat to our nation and has made its way to our doorstep right here in Albuquerque, New Mexico,” the mayor said. Tim Keller. “But I know we will push back.” Police said at least five people, including Pena, were involved in the shooting. Pena is accused of paying the others to carry out at least two of the shootings, according to police, before “Pena himself” “pulled the trigger” during one of the crimes.
Police said they identified Pena as their “key” suspect using a combination of cellphone records, witness interviews and casings. No one was injured in the shooting.

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