A former Republican candidate for a state legislative position in New Mexico, Solomon Peña, was convicted on Wednesday of federal charges linked to a series of drive-by shootings aimed at Democratic officials' homes. The jury found Peña guilty on all 13 counts after deliberating for about five hours, according to a spokesperson for the U.S. attorney's office in New Mexico.
Peña's criminal actions involved orchestrating shootings that targeted the residences of four Democratic officials between December 2022 and January 2023, shortly after he lost the election for a statehouse seat. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported in the attacks; however, the violence was symbolically alarming, as bullets penetrated a state senator’s home where a 10-year-old girl was present.
The charges included conspiracy, weapons offenses, and interference with federally protected activities. Two accomplices, Demetrio and Jose Trujillo, pled guilty to related charges prior to Peña's trial. Peña's attorney, Nicholas Hart, voiced intentions to appeal the verdict, labeling the trial as politically motivated.
The spree of drive-by shootings commenced in December 2022 and involved multiple Democratic officials, prompting outrage and fear within the community. Prosecutors noted that Peña had disseminated cash payments to four individuals tasked with the attacks and communicated explicit instructions on attack locations.
Despite his electoral defeat by a significant margin, Peña refused to accept the results and made attempts to sway officials against certifying the election. Allegations of electoral fraud were repeatedly presented to county commissioners and a state senator, further exhibiting his belief that the electoral process was unfairly manipulated.
Peña’s trial, which commenced on March 10, involved over two weeks of testimonies before being turned over to the jury for consideration. If sentenced for his convictions, he could face a mandatory minimum prison term of 60 years.
In 2008, Peña was previously convicted of various state charges, including vehicle burglary and larceny, and served time until being released in 2016. His legal troubles have now escalated as he faces severe penalties for orchestrating acts of political violence in New Mexico.
