The jury's unanimous verdict on Solomon Peña arrives after a trial that revealed a troubling plot against political adversaries, sparking concerns over political violence.
Former GOP Candidate Convicted for Orchestrating Drive-By Shootings Against Democrats
Former GOP Candidate Convicted for Orchestrating Drive-By Shootings Against Democrats
Solomon Peña found guilty on all counts related to a series of shootings targeting Democratic officials in New Mexico.
A former Republican candidate in New Mexico was convicted on Wednesday on multiple federal charges related to orchestrating drive-by shootings aimed at the homes of four Democratic officials. Solomon Peña, who lost his election bid for a statehouse seat in 2022, was found guilty on all 13 counts, including conspiracy and weapons-related violations, after a jury deliberated for approximately five hours.
The case against Peña stemmed from incidents that unfolded in late 2022 and early 2023, in the wake of his electoral defeat. Fortunately, no injuries resulted from the shootings, although one incident saw bullets fired into the bedroom of a state senator’s young daughter.
Prosecutors maintained that Peña had hired four individuals through cash payments and utilized text messages to relay specific addresses to target for the shootings. His actions demonstrated a refusal to accept the electoral outcome and an attempt to intimidate public officials.
Throughout his campaign, Peña falsely claimed that the election had been rigged and even visited several county commissioners’ homes, attempting to persuade them against certifying the election results. His behavior escalated after the election, leading to a desperate and reckless campaign of political violence.
His trial, which began on March 10, featured over two weeks of testimony before being passed to the jury. If upheld, Peña faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 60 years for his actions. He has indicated plans to appeal the jury’s decision, which his attorney argues was influenced by political motivations.
Peña's troubled history includes a previous conviction in 2008 for multiple state offenses, from vehicle burglary to larceny. He served time until his release in 2016 and completed probation in March 2021. The outcome of this trial raises alarms about the intersection of political rivalry and violence in the current climate.
