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Tragic Shooting at University of New Mexico

Incident Overview

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A tragic shooting occurred early on Friday at a University of New Mexico residence hall, resulting in the death of a 14-year-old boy and injuring a 19-year-old. This unsettling event not only claimed a young life but also led to the evacuation of hundreds of students and initiated a comprehensive search across the campus for the suspect, who has since been apprehended.

Shelter-in-Place Order Lifted

Late Friday afternoon, university officials lifted the shelter-in-place order that had been in effect. They indicated that while the immediate threat had been neutralized, an active investigation was ongoing, prompting the university to keep its main campus in Albuquerque closed. Students were informed they could access the dining hall and return to their dormitories but were advised to steer clear of the crime scene to allow investigators to carry out their work.

Details of the Shooting

The New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler reported that an 18-year-old male suspect was taken into custody at approximately 2:30 p.m. According to John Silva, Chief of the University of New Mexico Police Department, four individuals were engaged in playing video games inside one dorm room when the shooting erupted. In a distressing turn of events, the 14-year-old victim was fatally shot while the others managed to escape the room. The 19-year-old male, who also sustained injuries, sought medical treatment at a local hospital, confirming that he had been shot on campus.

Authorities are currently investigating the underlying motives that led the suspect to discharge his firearm, and law enforcement is collaborating with prosecutors to draft formal charges against him.

Campus Response and Evacuation Measures

Authorities initially issued an alert just before 3:30 a.m., notifying the community of the shooting incident. Shortly after, at roughly 6 a.m., another alert instructed individuals to shelter in place. In response, police quickly evacuated certain areas of the campus to ensure the safety of students and faculty.

Lt. Tim Delgado from the University of New Mexico Police Department stated, “We had a student orientation happening, involving around 400 students in the dorms. Our utmost priority was their safety.” For much of the day, law enforcement had cordoned off the area surrounding the student housing complex, marked by yellow tape while investigators gathered vital evidence, and police vehicles blocked numerous roadways.

Witness Accounts and Student Concerns

Mikey Beck, a student attending orientation, reported that he heard gunshots in the early hours and witnessed an individual who seemed to be injured hiding in the bushes. He described seeing other individuals fleeing by jumping out of a dorm window. Although Beck was initially eager to embark on his freshman journey, he expressed discomfort, saying, “It’s really sketchy out here. Just being in Albuquerque is really scary.”

Nearby, a line of university buses awaited students, many carrying backpacks and small luggage carts. The university had planned a “staged, tactical evacuation,” as articulated by spokesperson Cinnamon Blair, emphasizing the importance of following police directions during the process.

Community Reactions and Future Security Measures

The University of New Mexico, which accommodates approximately 23,000 students throughout the school year, has welcomed new students for orientation ahead of the upcoming fall semester. In recognition of the emotional impact of this incident, University President Garnett Stokes addressed the community in a letter, assuring that an enhanced law enforcement presence would be implemented in the days to come.

"We understand that this incident may be particularly distressing for new students and their families attending orientation this week," Stokes expressed, recognizing the heightened sense of vulnerability within the community.

Statements of Support and Calls for Action

Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller offered condolences to the victim’s family and the broader university community, stating, “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of life that occurred today on the University of New Mexico campus.” Furthermore, New Mexico’s largest city has grappled with rising violent crime rates, particularly involving juveniles. District Attorney Sam Bregman urged state lawmakers to take decisive action against what he titled a crisis impacting the youth.

This call for legislative reform has arisen amid a concerning pattern of violence involving young offenders, showcased by high-profile incidents such as a fatal hit-and-run in Albuquerque and a shooting in Las Cruces earlier this year. In light of these events, pressure has mounted on Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham from prosecutors, law enforcement, and Republican lawmakers to convene a special legislative session aimed at tackling New Mexico’s growing crime issue.

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