Briefs

NM Rep. Javier Martínez becomes the sixth Democrat to report shots fired at his home, police have potential suspect in custody

By: - January 9, 2023 3:15 pm
Downtown Albuquerque New Mexico skyline shows four prominent hi rise buildings during daytime.

February 2022 (Photo by Marisa Demarco / Source NM)

Update: Monday Jan. 9, 4:55 p.m.

Monday evening Albuquerque police said a possible male suspect is in custody after being picked up by police on unrelated charges. A gun linked to at least one shooting is also in possession by investigators. The update was intentionally “very limited,” police spokesperson Gilbert Gallegos said, but important for community awareness.

Police said they believe the person is connected to at least one shooting and the gun they confiscated was used during that incident.

Rep. Javier Martínez is set to take on the role as the speaker of the House in the New Mexico Legislature when it convenes in Santa Fe on Jan. 17. 

Today, the Democrat that represents areas in downtown and Old Town Albuquerque, is the fourth elected official from his party to report bullets fired at his home. Police are also investigating shootings at a campaign headquarters and a law office of two elected Democrats, bringing the total to six shootings since December, possibly targeting prominent politicians in the city.

Although no one has been shot during these incidents, they are creating discomfort.

APD investigates possible connection between shootings at Democratic politicians’ homes, offices

Martínez saw the news break last week that someone fired rounds at the homes of Bernalillo County Commissioner Adriann Barboa, ex-Commissioner Debbie O’Malley and state Sen. Linda Lopez.

He decided to inspect his home and found damage, which he describes as an “act of gun violence” outside.

Martínez told police he heard gunshots in the area sometime in early December. 

“I share the anger of my fellow elected officials and all those who have been targeted by such senseless acts of violence,” he said. “We’re hopeful that those responsible will be caught and swiftly brought to justice.”

Rep. Antonio Maestas (D-Albuquerque) also reported a shooting that happened outside his law office after hearing last week’s news conference. During that announcement Albuquerque police said someone fired bullets at the campaign headquarters for Attorney General Raul Torréz.

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Shaun Griswold
Shaun Griswold

Shaun Griswold is a journalist in Albuquerque. He is a citizen of the Pueblo of Laguna, and his ancestry also includes Jemez and Zuni on the maternal side of his family. He grew up in Albuquerque and Gallup. He brings a decade of print and broadcast news experience. Shaun reports on issues important to Native Americans in urban and tribal communities throughout the state, including education and child welfare.

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