A mass shooting at a public park in Las Cruces, New Mexico, left three people dead and 15 others injured late Friday night, marking one of the deadliest incidents in the city in recent years. Authorities say the violence erupted during an unsanctioned car show, when a confrontation between two rival groups escalated into a chaotic exchange of gunfire.
Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story confirmed Saturday morning that two 19-year-old men and a 16-year-old boy were killed in the shooting at Young Park, located near Walnut Street. The ages of the injured victims ranged from 16 to 36 years old. Seven people were transported to University Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, while others were treated on the scene or at local hospitals.
"There was an altercation between two groups of people, and that altercation escalated to gunfire between both groups," Chief Story stated during a press conference. "Several other people were also injured in the crossfire."
Police responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 10:10 p.m. Friday, arriving to find a sprawling crime scene. Investigators recovered between 50 to 60 bullet casings, all believed to be from handguns, spread across the park grounds. No rifle casings were found, suggesting no assault-style weapons were used.
"This is a huge crime scene with lots of moving parts," Story said. "This horrendous, senseless act is a stark reminder of the blatant disregard the people of New Mexico have for the rule of law and order."
Authorities indicated they are pursuing several leads but have made no arrests as of Saturday afternoon. Police are urging witnesses or anyone with video footage of the event to come forward. "We are asking for video of people who may have been carrying firearms," Las Cruces Public Information Officer Dan Trujillo said.
The shooting occurred during a pop-up car event that drew an estimated 200 attendees, many of whom scattered when gunfire erupted. The New York Times reported that the gathering was part of a monthly meet-up for modified car enthusiasts, which local officials said has previously attracted large crowds and raised concerns about safety.
Chief Story acknowledged the park and similar car events have posed ongoing challenges. The pop-up car shows are "definitely a problem," he noted.
Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez expressed condolences to the victims' families and called for unity in the aftermath. "Today we mourn a tragic, a senseless, a horrible event that happened in our city last night," Enriquez said. "There's no place for violence like this in our community, and we will continue to work tirelessly to make our community safe."
Additional law enforcement agencies, including New Mexico State Police, the Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office, the FBI, and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, are assisting in the investigation.
While the precise motive remains unclear, Chief Story said there was existing "ill will" between the two groups involved. Authorities have not released the names of the deceased or any suspects.
The shooting has reignited attention on New Mexico's firearm laws. The state permits the open carry of firearms without a permit, though concealed carry requires a license. Chief Story declined to address the political implications of the incident, stating, "As angry as I am right now, this news conference will not be political. There will come a time to talk about the failures that led to this tragedy and so many others. Now is not that time."
Young Park and surrounding streets remained closed Saturday as investigators combed the area for evidence. Local officials reiterated their call for community cooperation, emphasizing the need for witness testimony and surveillance footage to aid in identifying those responsible.
Johana Bencomo, Las Cruces mayor pro tem and city councilor for District 4, described the attack as "a heinous act of violence that will leave our city mourning" in a social media post following the shooting.
Authorities have not disclosed whether the weapons used were legally obtained, and the investigation into the ownership and legality of the firearms involved remains ongoing.
