A failed Republican candidate for the New Mexico Legislature finds himself behind bars this morning.
According to authorities, Solomon Peña, 39, conspired with four other men to shoot up the homes of two county commissioners and two state legislators — all Democrats.
Speaking to NBC News, Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina said investigators believe Peña was the group’s ringleader.
Peña expressed anger after losing his election in November, baselessly claiming that election fraud played a role in his 48-point defeat.
NBC News‘ Dennis Romero explains:
Pena lost his state House challenge to incumbent Democrat Miguel P. Garcia by 5,679 to 2,033, or 74% to 26%.
He took his case to three county commissioners and a state senator — some whose homes were targeted in the shootings — to no avail, Gallegos said.
“He had complaints about his election he felt being rigged,” Gallegos said. “As the mayor said, he was an election denier — he doesn’t want to accept the results of his election.”
One of the meetings with local and state leaders became heated, he said.
The shootings started a short time after that.
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