Failed GOP Candidate Sentenced 80 Years for Election-Related Shooting Spree
Failed GOP candidate Solomon Peña received an 80-year sentence for orchestrating politically motivated shooting attacks on Democrat officials' homes after false 2020 election fraud claims.
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Overview
- Failed GOP candidate Solomon Peña pressured Bernalillo County officials to not certify 2020 election results, falsely claiming fraud, which fueled his subsequent violent actions.
- Peña then orchestrated a series of shooting attacks on the homes of four Democrat officials in Albuquerque, New Mexico, following his unsuccessful attempts to overturn the election.
- The politically motivated shooting sprees, though causing no injuries, occurred while children and relatives were present, stemming directly from Peña's baseless election fraud allegations.
- Two individuals hired by Peña for the attacks previously pleaded guilty, leading to Peña's conviction and an 80-year prison sentence for his role in the violence.
- Peña's lawyer has stated intentions to appeal the conviction, challenging the substantial 80-year sentence imposed for the shooting sprees targeting Democrat officials' residences.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally by focusing on the factual details of the legal proceedings and the stated motivations behind the attacks. They present the outcome of the trial, the defendant's background, and the broader context of politically motivated violence without injecting overt editorial opinion or loaded language. The reporting prioritizes clarity and directness in conveying the events.
"A failed Republican candidate in New Mexico was jailed for 80 years on Wednesday for contracting gunmen to carry out drive-by shootings on the homes of Democratic officials after his 2022 election defeat."
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FAQ
Solomon Peña was convicted of 13 charges including conspiracy, firearms offenses, four counts of intimidation and interference with federally protected activities, four counts of using or carrying a firearm during a crime of violence, and solicitation to commit a crime of violence.
Peña was motivated by false claims that the 2022 election was rigged. After his electoral defeat and pressure on county officials to not certify the results failed, he resorted to violence to intimidate Democrat officials in an attempt to cause political change.
No injuries occurred during the shooting spree, although several attacks took place while children and relatives were present in the targeted homes. Bullets passed through the bedroom of a state senator's 10-year-old daughter in one incident.
Jose Trujillo pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 37 months in prison. Demetrio Trujillo pleaded guilty to similar charges and was sentenced to 180 months in prison.
Solomon Peña's lawyer has announced intentions to appeal the conviction and challenge the substantial 80-year sentence imposed for the politically motivated shooting spree.
History
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