ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A suspect has been arrested after a shooting left one person dead and one person wounded on the main University of New Mexico campus in Albuquerque.
A suspect has been arrested after a shooting left one person dead and one person wounded on the main University of New Mexico campus in Albuquerque.
The suspect was arrested Friday afternoon by U.S. Marshals in Los Lunas, according to the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office.
The UNM Police Department responded early Friday morning to a report of gunshots at the Casas del Rio student housing complex. Officers found two people shot. One person died, while the other sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
UNM closed the campus and issued a shelter-in-place, believing the suspect may still be there. New Mexico State Police later took over the investigation.
KOB 4 spoke to students staying in the Gila building where they said the shooting happened on the second floor. The students said they heard about “four or five shots” just before midnight and sheltered in place. They described it as one of the scariest experiences of their lives, saying they saw people running from the building toward a parking lot.
Police have let those students leave Friday afternoon. UNMPD is conducting a staged, tactical evacuation to get them out safely. If you’re still on campus, they advise you not to move without UNMPD direction.
According to the UNM website, new student orientation was going on when this happened. Freshman UNM football team members were also staying this summer on the fourth floor. However, UNM confirmed to KOB 4 no football players or staff were involved in the shooting.
There is no indication yet that there were any students – new or current – involved in the shooting. NMSP hasn’t said anything else about the suspect or the victims.
If you have any information, reach out to UNMPD at 505-277-2241 or Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers at 505-843-7867. You can also reach out to Crime Stoppers through their app or their website, www.crimestoppersnm.com.
In the meantime, if you go to UNM or work there, UNMPD is advising you to monitor your UNM email, text messages and the LoboGuardian for real-time updates.
Statements on deadly shooting at University of New Mexico
Garnett S. Stokes, UNM’s president, issued the following statement:
New Mexico State Rep. Marianna Anaya represents New Mexico House District 18, which encompasses UNM. She issued the following statement:
“My deepest condolences go out to the individuals, families, and communities impacted by the tragic shooting that took place early this morning at the University of New Mexico.
Waking this morning to the news of this act of violence has shaken the entire UNM community.
It is especially heartbreaking that this occurred during the time of a new student orientation– a time when students and their families should be filled with hope, excitement, and a sense of possibility. Instead, the sense of safety for students and residents across our city has been impacted. Our youth, whether they are on or off campus, should not experience this kind of trauma.
As law enforcement continues its investigation and search for the suspect, I urge the public to stay informed and follow official safety guidance as UNM’s main campus remains closed.
This heartbreaking incident is yet another reminder of the urgent need to address gun violence and historical trauma in our state. As a legislator, I remain committed to working with colleagues, students, educators, and public safety leaders to enact common-sense, life-saving policies. We owe it to our youth, to our families, and to every New Mexican who deserves to live in a state where gun violence is not commonplace.
In this moment of grief, may we come together with compassion and the courage to support one another.”
