New Mexico Police Fire Rubber Bullets at Boys 7, 9 in Armed Standoff

In New Mexico, two young boys aged seven and nine were involved in a tense armed standoff with police after being found brandishing a loaded handgun while dressed in Minecraft and Star Wars-themed pajamas. Despite officers' repeated pleas to put down the weapon, the boys refused, leading deputies to fire rubber bullets and non-lethal rounds towards the area but not directly at the children, who eventually were surrounded and apprehended without injury. The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office emphasized this case highlights the complex intersection of juvenile crime, mental health, and public safety, noting that no charges were filed, the boys were not removed from their home, and the gun was seized. Sheriff John Allen stated that the department has been called to the home numerous times prior to the standoff and that efforts are underway to close service gaps and expand support for juveniles involved in violent incidents. The department’s behavioral health unit is actively working with the families to provide assistance, while the use of drone footage helped safely resolve the situation without deadly force. This incident was publicized as part of a new initiative aimed at addressing critical service gaps in the community.