A court sentenced former candidate from New Mexico to 80 years in prison

• Solomon Peña was sentenced for shooting at the homes of Democratic lawmakers.
• Advocates assert Peña's innocence and will appeal the decision.
• Increase in acts of violence after the 2020 elections.

ALBUQUERQUE, NM. — A former political candidate received 80 years of federal imprisonment in connection with the shootings at the homes of state and local lawmakers in Albuquerque after the 2020 elections.

Previously this year, a jury found former Republican candidate Solomon Peña guilty of charges related to the shootings, which took place in December 2022 and January 2023. The attacks targeted the homes of four Democratic lawmakers, including the then-speaker of the state House.

Prosecutors, who sought a 90-year sentence, argued that Peña had not shown any signs of remorse and intended to incite political change, terrorizing individuals who held opposing views to prevent them from participating in political life.

Peña's attorneys aimed to secure a five-year term, asserting that their client was not involved in the shootings, while prosecutors relied on the testimony of two individuals who identified themselves and claimed to have entered into an agreement to reduce sentencing.

Attacks occurred in the context of rising threats and acts of violence against public officials following the claims made by President Donald Trump and his allies about the results of the 2020 election.

Prosecutors stated that Peña had resorted to violence, considering that "the elections were fraudulent" and stripped his opportunity in his trial to engage with legislative bodies.

The shootings were aimed at the homes of lawmakers, including two county commissioners, after their certification of the 2022 elections, in which Peña performed nearly 50 percent. They did not suffer injuries, but in one case, bullets passed through the bedroom of the senator's 10-year-old daughter.

Two other individuals, who recognized their involvement in the attacks, previously acknowledged their participation in federal charges and received prison terms.

Tags: USA/Politics/Crime