Albuquerque, NM – An arrest has been made in relation to the string of shootings targeting Democratic, New Mexico elected officials over the course of the last several weeks. The suspect arrested for organizing the attacks has been identified as a Republican who unsuccessfully ran for office in November, has repeatedly made false claims that the election was rigged, and appears to have attended the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection in Washington, D.C.

Statement of Mario Jimenez, executive director of Common Cause New Mexico:

“In light of yesterday’s arrest, Common Cause New Mexico continues to condemn the deplorable acts of violence made against elected officials. 

Political violence is a non-partisan issue and an existential threat to our system of government. Our elections are decided by the people at the ballot box, not by violence or by the threats of lone radicals. The people of New Mexico will not be intimidated or silenced, and we encourage our community to continue being civically engaged as we work together to build a democracy that works for everyone. 

The nation is watching, and we must make clear that political violence has absolutely no place in our democracy. Today we recommit ourselves to ensuring our public officials can do their jobs without fear of violence.”