Tragic Park Shooting in Las Cruces, New Mexico: 3 Fatalities and 15 Injured—What You Need to Know

SANTA FE, N.M. — A tragic scene unfolded in Las Cruces as gunfire claimed the lives of three people and injured at least 15 others during an unauthorized car show at Young Park on Friday night. Police reported that the chaos erupted just after 10 p.m., disrupting a gathering that attracted around 200 attendees.

Witnesses described the park as a whirlwind of panic as shots rang out. Victims, aged between 16 and 36, were rushed to local hospitals; some were treated on-site, while others were taken to the University Medical Center of El Paso. As of Saturday, seven victims remained hospitalized, while four had been discharged.

Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story indicated the presence of between 50 and 60 shell casings at the scene. This suggests that there were multiple shooters involved in the incident, possibly stemming from ongoing tensions between two groups. “It’s clear that there was a serious problem that led to this,” he remarked.

The deceased included a 16-year-old boy, along with two young men, aged 18 and 19, whose names have yet to be publicly disclosed. Authorities are actively investigating the incident with help from agencies like the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. They are appealing for any video footage and tips from witnesses to identify the shooters.

Local officials lamented the violence. "This senseless act shows a blatant disregard for the law," Chief Story said, promising accountability for those involved. The police presence at the park has been noted to be insufficient, with Chief Story admitting that they had limited units available that night due to understaffing.

In the wake of this tragedy, Las Cruces leaders have expressed their sorrow. City Councilor and Mayor Pro Tem Johana Bencomo shared her grief on social media, suggesting that such violence feels unfortunately more common today. Mayor Eric Enriquez called for community solidarity, urging residents to support the victims’ families.

The event has sparked renewed discussions about public safety and the rising incidents of gun violence in New Mexico. According to recent statistics from the New Mexico Department of Public Safety, the state has seen a troubling rise in violent crimes, particularly among youths. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed frustration over the lack of progress on key public safety bills designed to address these issues, emphasizing the need for better laws to manage the accessibility of firearms.

Governor Lujan Grisham recently enacted legislation focusing on gun control, including stricter penalties for gun-related offenses. After the Las Cruces shootings, she called for immediate improvements in juvenile justice measures and urged legislators to act swiftly to protect communities.

Las Cruces itself is situated near the Rio Grande and lies about 40 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, making it a significant locale for discussions around border security and violence. This incident could serve as a turning point for local and state officials to push for more effective crime reduction strategies.

As the investigation continues, the community is left to grapple with the aftermath. “We have to come together and support one another in these trying times,” Enriquez stated, underscoring the need for unity in the face of tragedy.

For more on the current state of crime and legislation regarding public safety in New Mexico, you can visit the New Mexico Department of Public Safety.

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Las Cruces, New Mexico, Shootings, Michelle Lujan Grisham, Santa Fe, Crime, Law enforcement, Cars, General news, Domestic News, AP Top News, NM State Wire, U.S. news, Eric Enriquez, Johana Bencomo, Michael Daniels, Jeremy Story