A Republican representative from New Mexico has been handed an 80-year prison sentence for orchestrating a shooting at a Democrat’s residence following his significant loss in the Capitol election.
Solomon Peña, age 42, initially ran for a House district in Albuquerque in 2022 but was decisively defeated by incumbent Democrat Miguel Garcia, receiving only 26% of the vote.
Despite the results, Peña claimed on social media that the election was “rigged.” He emphatically posted on January 2nd, “I didn’t lose NADA.”
During the sentencing, U.S. District Judge Kea Riggs described how Peña and others concocted a “sophisticated scheme” aimed at several state officials.
He was accused of hiring four individuals to target the homes of Bernarillo County Commissioners Adriann Barboa and Debbie O’Malley, as well as state Senators Linda Lopez and Moe Maestas. This came after a tense standoff with a SWAT team in January 2023.
In March, Peña was found guilty of enlisting a man and his son to attack Democratic representatives. He also faced charges for trying to persuade fellow inmates to kill his co-defendants while awaiting trial.
As the alleged “ring leader,” Peña was linked to a drive-by shooting directed at Senator Lopez, where an armed assailant fired shots into her home, causing bullets to penetrate the bedroom window of Lopez’s young daughter.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but Lopez testified that her children continue to struggle with mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression, as a result of the incident. She reflected, “The shooting in our house shattered what I was trying to form for the kids.”
Pena’s lawyer indicated he plans to appeal the conviction on his behalf, claiming he was merely expressing his beliefs.
Judge Riggs, appointed by Trump, suggested that had authorities not intervened, Peña might have persisted in his violent actions, driven by his “ego” and disbelief that he lost the election.
Interestingly, Peña has a past criminal record, having served seven years for theft and is also facing a $250,000 fine.
The issue of political violence has grown increasingly concerning nationally, with recent incidents, including the assassination of Minnesota Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as an arson attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s home.
