- At least three people are dead and 15 others injured following a mass shooting at a park in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on Friday night. Two 19-year-old men and one 16-year-old boy were killed.
- According to police officials, the shooting occurred when an argument between two groups of people escalated during an unsanctioned car show attended by some 200 people.
- According to New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, violent crime in Las Cruces has increased 46% compared to last year.
Full Story
At least three people are dead and 15 others injured following a mass shooting at a park in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on Friday night, March 21. According to local media outlet KFOX14, two 19-year-old men and one 16-year-old boy were killed, while individuals ranging in age from 16 to 36 were among the injured.
The victims were sent to three hospitals in Las Cruces, as well as University Medical Center, a regional trauma center, in nearby El Paso. None of the victims’ identities have been released.
Police officials told KFOX14 the shooting occurred when an argument between two groups of people escalated during an unsanctioned car show at Young Park around 10 p.m. According to Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story, the two groups harbored some “type of ill will” before the event, which hosted roughly 200 people.
Although photos of a man holding an AR-15 circulated on social media following the shooting, officials said they spoke with the individual in the pictures and do not believe he was involved. Likewise, Story said, “All casings found so far are handgun caliber casings,” adding, “There are no rifle casings consisting of an AK or AR-style rifle.”
State and local leaders have reacted to the shooting.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said, “The indiscriminate nature of this shooting is both shocking and unacceptable, but sadly not surprising. This violence tears at the fabric of our communities and leaves wounds that may never heal.”
According to Lujan Grisham, violent crime in Las Cruces has increased 46% compared to last year.
Meanwhile, Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, said, “Las Cruces isn’t just our neighbor –– we are one deeply connected community. My heart is with the victims, families, and all New Mexicans; El Paso will always stand with you.”
As of Saturday morning, March 22, no arrests had been made.
