House speaker Javier Martinez spoke for all lawmakers and local residents in expressing a sense of relief following the arrest of Solomon Peña in connection with a series of drive-by shootings targeting the homes of several Democratic lawmakers.
"I am incredibly grateful to the Albuquerque Police Department, to Mayor (Tim) Keller, and to all those who played a role in protecting our safety and ensuring that our democracy remains intact," Martinez said during a press conference. "[I'm] ready to get down to the business of the people."
Albuquerque police arrested Peña, who lost his 2022 bid for state House District 14, for allegedly paying and conspiring with four men to shoot at the homes of two state legislators and two county commissioners and trying to participate in at least one of the shootings.
Gunshots were fired into the homes of Bernalillo County Commissioner Adriann Barboa on December 4; then-Bernalillo Commissioner Debbie O’Malley on December 11; state Sen. Linda Lopez on January 3, and the home of Martinez on December 8.
Martinez said it's important legislators set an example where opinions can differ, but everyone can work to find common ground and not resort to open hostility and violence.
"It's on me to not elevate that temperature and somehow provoke someone else from raising the temperature, right?" Martinez said. “And it cuts both ways.”
The 56th Legislative Session is underway with House Democrats and Republicans considering safety protocols. Meanwhile, lawmakers are questioning how Peña was allowed to run for election despite serving nearly seven years in prison after a 2008 conviction for stealing a large volume of goods in a “smash and grab scheme,” KOAT reported.
An ardent Trump supporter, Peña claimed voter fraud after being soundly defeated by Miguel Garcia, who received 74% of the vote.
Peña, according to police, tried to visit some of the officials before shooting at their homes. He went to Barboa’s home uninvited to claim the results were fraudulent, Barboa told CNN.
The incident has lawmakers considering safety protocols. "You know, I’ve gotten the nasty email. I’ve gotten the nasty letter through the mail, but nothing that I would worry about," Martinez said. "Now, I think it might be something to think about."
However, Democratic Party leaders weren't the only ones concerned about the safety of future leaders and proposing stricter crime laws. "The person, one of the persons, accused of firing the weapons in Albuquerque at these people's houses is a convicted felon," Republican Minority floor leader Greg Baca said. "Let's enforce what we have."