Solomon Peña Guilty in New Mexico Shooting Case

Solomon Peña, a failed Republican candidate for the New Mexico House of Representatives, has been found guilty on 13 charges related to a series of drive-by shootings targeting Democratic officials in Albuquerque. Peña lost his 2022 election by a significant margin and claimed electoral fraud, leading him to hire gunmen to attack the homes of officials after their election certification. Although no injuries were reported, the attacks heightened concerns about political violence in the U.S. Peña faces a potential life sentence, though his defense argues that he was wrongfully convicted and plans to appeal. The prosecution relied heavily on testimony from co-conspirators who have already pleaded guilty. The incidents reflect ongoing tensions and threats faced by political figures post-2020 election, underscoring the dangers of escalating political rhetoric.