In Las Cruces, New Mexico, a serious shooting incident took place on Saturday evening (March 22), resulting in the deaths of three people and 15 others injured. The incident occurred at Young Park, where an unauthorized car exhibition was taking place, attracting around 200 people.
Police received reports around 10 p.m. and rushed to the scene. Preliminary investigations indicate that two rival groups at the event got into a conflict which escalated into a gun battle.
The victims include a 16-year-old boy and two young men aged 18 and 19, while the remaining injured individuals are between 16 and 36 years old. The injured have been taken to local hospitals and a major trauma center in El Paso, Texas for treatment, with several individuals still in critical condition.
At the scene, authorities found 50 to 60 handgun casings, suggesting the involvement of multiple gunmen and various weapons. No suspects have been arrested yet, and the public is being urged to provide videos and any relevant information.
The mayor and city council members expressed shock and sorrow over the incident. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham criticized the state legislature for failing to advance public safety legislation effectively, emphasizing the need to curb gun violence.
Police are still securing the crime scene for forensic examination, emphasizing that this is an “extremely complex major crime scene” which will take time to fully understand.
(This article references related reports from the Associated Press)