Las Cruces mayor talks next steps following deadly park shooting

LAS CRUCES, N.M. - In the wake of a tragic mass shooting that claimed the lives of three teenagers and injured over a dozen others, the community of Las Cruces is now focused on mourning the victims and seeking solutions. The chaos unfolded during a pop-up car party, raising questions about the city's ability to manage such unsanctioned events and prevent violence.

As the city grapples with the aftermath, Mayor Eric Enriquez is advocating for a special legislative session to address juvenile crime more effectively. He believes that harsher penalties for young offenders are needed, suggesting that existing laws may not be sufficient to deter illegal activities. The mayor expressed his sadness over the incident, emphasizing that the community must act to address the root causes of such violence.

Enriquez has acknowledged the challenges posed by unauthorized car meetups, which often evade regulation as they move from one location to another. While he has been asked about the possibility of implementing a citywide curfew, he noted the constitutional complexities involved. He indicated that any curfew would need to be carefully considered, although the city may look at adjusting park hours to improve safety.

To combat rising crime rates, Las Cruces is in the process of establishing a Real Time Crime Center similar to one in Albuquerque, which involves significant logistical preparations. In addition to technological improvements, there is a need for increased law enforcement presence, as highlighted by local officials who note that simply introducing new legislation will not solve the issues at hand.

The mayor remains committed to supporting the police department and hopes to engage with state officials, including Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, to secure additional resources for crime prevention. Enriquez believes that accountability is key and that stronger laws are necessary to ensure that offenders face appropriate penalties for their actions.