Solomon Peña: A Political Ambition Turned Violent

In the heart of New Mexico politics, a story unfolded that shocked the nation. Solomon Peña, a man who once aspired to serve in the state legislature, found himself embroiled in a scandal of violence and conspiracy. This narrative explores the turbulent life of Solomon Peña, whose political ambitions took a dark and criminal turn.

Early Life and Troubled Past

Born in April 1983 in California, Solomon Peña moved to New Mexico, where he graduated from Highland High School in Albuquerque in 2001. His life, however, soon veered off the traditional path. In 2008, Peña was convicted for his involvement in a series of thefts from Albuquerque retail stores, including a Kmart. This led to a seven-year prison sentence, which began in May 2009. During his incarceration, he was involved in a violent altercation while working as a prison cook, leading to his dismissal and an unsuccessful lawsuit against prison authorities.

Despite a troubled past, Peña sought redemption through education, earning a political science degree from the University of New Mexico in 2021. By 2022, he was working as a sales representative for A Reliable Roof LLC in Albuquerque. Yet, his journey was marked by contentious relationships and a brief association with his fugitive brother in 2018.

Political Aspirations

Solomon Peña’s political career began with his ardent support for former President Donald Trump and the LaRouche movement, to which he donated over $5,000. He entertained claims of voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election and was a visible presence at Trump rallies, including the infamous January 6th rally at the U.S. Capitol.

In the 2022 midterm elections, Peña ran as the Republican nominee for New Mexico's 14th House district, challenging Democratic incumbent Miguel Garcia. Despite Democrats’ attempts to disqualify him due to his criminal history, Peña pursued his campaign with vigor. However, Garcia defeated him decisively, securing 73.6% of the vote. Unconvinced by his loss, Peña alleged election fraud and sought to prove his victory through dubious paperwork.

A Conspiracy of Violence

Between December 4, 2022, and January 3, 2023, a series of drive-by shootings targeted the homes of Democratic politicians in Albuquerque. Investigations revealed Solomon Peña as the alleged mastermind behind these attacks, orchestrating them with the help of four accomplices. Among the victims were Adriann Barboa, Javier Martínez, Debbie O'Malley, and Linda M. Lopez, with potential targets including Raúl Torrez and Moe Maestas.

Peña’s alleged role in these attacks was chilling. He reportedly instructed the shooters to aim above windows initially, but later demanded more aggressive tactics. This escalation in violence led to a harrowing incident at Linda Lopez’s home, where gunfire narrowly missed her children.

The Investigation and Arrest

The Albuquerque Police, with assistance from the FBI and New Mexico State Police, connected Peña to the shootings through text messages and testimonies. On January 3, 2023, Jose Trujillo, a key suspect, was arrested with firearms and drugs in a car registered to Peña. This arrest set the stage for Peña’s capture on January 16, 2023, by SWAT officers at his home.

Peña faced multiple charges, including conspiracy, firearms violations, and aggravated assault. He was held without bail and stood trial, where he was ultimately found guilty on all 13 charges in March 2025.

Reactions and Aftermath

The revelation of Peña’s actions drew comparisons to the attack on Paul Pelosi, highlighting a troubling trend of politically motivated violence. The New Mexico Republican Party condemned Peña’s actions, emphasizing the need for full legal accountability.

This saga of ambition and downfall serves as a stark reminder of the volatile intersection between politics and personal vendettas, leaving an indelible mark on New Mexico’s political landscape.

Sources

For a detailed account of Solomon Peña's case, visit the original Wikipedia article.