A 39-year-old failed GOP candidate who was apparently angry about his defeat and made baseless claims about a “rigged” election was arrested in a series of drive-by shootings at the homes of Democratic lawmakers in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Solomon Peña, was arrested Monday evening, just hours after SWAT officers had served search warrants at his home.
Peña lost his run for state House District 14 by roughly 3,600 votes against incumbent Democratic Rep. Miguel P. Garcia. New Mexico’s state Canvassing Board unanimously certified the results of the November election.
Peña is accused of paying and conspiring with four men to shoot at the homes of two state legislators and two county commissioners.
“It is believed he is the mastermind” behind the shootings, Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina said of Peña during a news conference.
Peña faces charges on shootings targeting Democratic lawmakers’ homes between December 4 and January 3: Bernalillo County Commissioner Adriann Barboa, state House Speaker Javier Martinez, then-Bernalillo Commissioner Debbie O’Malley, and state Sen. Linda Lopez.
“This type of radicalism is a threat to our nation and has made its way to our doorstep right here in Albuquerque, New Mexico,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “But I know we are going to push back, and we will not allow this to cross the threshold.”
Reporters have been unable to reach Peña’s attorney for comment.
