Former Republican Candidate Solomon Peña Convicted for Shooting Conspiracy Against Democrats

In a shocking turn of events, former New Mexico statehouse candidate Solomon Peña was convicted on federal charges connected to a series of drive-by shootings aimed at Democratic officials, highlighting a disturbing trend of political violence.

A jury in New Mexico found Solomon Peña guilty on Wednesday of all 13 federal charges related to his conspiracy to conduct drive-by shootings against the homes of four Democratic officials, following his loss in the 2022 elections. Peña, who refused to concede his electoral defeat and claimed the results were fraudulent, was arrested in January 2023 after authorities linked him to shootings that occurred between December 2022 and January 2023. While no injuries resulted from the attacks, one bullet penetrated a bedroom of a minor.

The jury deliberated for approximately five hours before delivering their verdict, resulting in Peña facing a potential sentence of at least 60 years in prison. His legal representation indicated plans to appeal the decision, labeling the trial as driven by political motives.

Peña’s actions were fueled by his allegations of election rigging, compelling him to directly confront several Democratic officials to challenge the election results. His criminal history includes prior convictions for various offenses, including burglary and larceny, from which he was released on parole in 2016. He remained under supervision until 2021.

Two co-defendants connected to Peña also pleaded guilty last year, further emphasizing the serious nature of the conspiracy. The case sheds light on the escalating tensions in the political landscape, marking a concerning incident of violence against public officials. The Justice Department's findings indicate a broader narrative of political unrest, compelling concerns regarding the safety of elected officials in the modern political climate.