Imploring a 90-year prison term for Solomon Peña as a deterrent against political aggression
Former New Mexico State House Candidate Sentenced to 80 Years for Politically Motivated Shooting Spree
Solomon Peña, a former Republican candidate for New Mexico House District 14, has been sentenced to 80 years in prison for orchestrating a drive-by shooting spree targeting the homes of four Democratic elected officials in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The shootings occurred in December 2022 and January 2023.
Background
Peña, who claimed the 2022 election was rigged, pressured members of the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners not to certify the election results. When these officials refused, he recruited accomplices Jose and Demetrio Trujillo to carry out the shootings.
The Crime
The shootings involved the use of fully automatic machine guns, with multiple rounds striking areas of the victims' homes where children had recently been present or were sleeping. One of the attacks occurred on January 3, 2023, when Jose Trujillo fired 12 rounds at the home of state Sen. Linda Lopez and her 10-year-old daughter. Peña himself fired once before his gun jammed. Fortunately, the shootings did not result in any deaths or injuries.
Post-Arrest Conduct
Following his arrest, Peña attempted to have his accomplices murdered to prevent them from testifying. He offered fellow inmates money and a vehicle in exchange for their deaths. Jose Trujillo pleaded guilty to related charges and received a 37-month sentence, while Demetrio Trujillo was sentenced to 180 months.
Convictions and Sentencing
Peña was convicted on 13 charges, including conspiracy, firearms offenses, and intimidation related to interference with federally protected activities. In addition to the 80-year prison sentence, he was ordered to pay a $250,000 fine and restitution. Upon release, he will be subject to three years of supervised release.
The U.S. Attorney's Office is recommending a sentence of at least 90 years in prison. The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Judge Kea.
The Case in Context
This case follows a series of high-profile attacks on politicians around the U.S. It is important to note that such acts of violence have no place in our democratic process and are a threat to the safety and well-being of our elected officials and their families.
Peña's prior criminal history includes state convictions for auto burglary, receiving stolen property, and other crimes. Prosecutors also cited his profession as "storm chasing," which they describe as "the practice of defrauding insurance companies by repairing nonexistent damage."
Conclusion
This sentencing serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that come with politically motivated violence. It is crucial that we uphold the integrity of our democratic process and ensure the safety of our elected officials and their families. The court's decision sends a strong message that such acts will not be tolerated.
The politically motivated shooting spree by former New Mexico State House candidate Solomon Peña, involving four Democratic elected officials, was part of a disturbing trend of violence against politicians across the United States. Peña's sentencing of 80 years in prison for conspiracy, firearms offenses, and intimidation underpins the court's commitment to upholding the integrity of general-news events like elections, and maintaining the safety of all involved, including crime-and-justice figures like elected officials and their families.
