Southern New Mexico officials condemn violence after Trump shooting

Officials from across the political spectrum in southern New Mexico took time over the weekend to condemn political violence following the assassination attempt that came very close to killing former President Donald Trump on July 13.

As of this article’s publication on July 15, federal investigators believe that a 20-year-old man fired at least one round that injured Trump’s ear but killed volunteer firefighter Corey Comperatore and critically injured two other attendees. The gunman was then killed by law enforcement officers.

“Gun violence has no place on our streets, in politics, or in the democratic discourse,” wrote southern New Mexico congressman Gabe Vasquez on X. “As information continues to unfold, let me be clear that I strongly condemn acts of violence against anyone, regardless of political party."

Vasquez’s rival from across the aisle, Republican candidate and former congresswoman Yvette Herrell, stated, “I am praying for President Trump, his family, and our nation. No one will divide this nation as long as we are united under God and our freedoms secured."

The shooting reset an already contentious presidential election – in which both candidates have received calls to step down – amid an era of U.S. politics fraught with violence and intimidation in both national and local contexts. The shooting also revealed a cynical public as conspiracy theories erupted online within hours of the televised shooting.

In New Mexico, multiple people in multiple situations have been shot at protests around conquistador statues, and a failed candidate faces charges for allegedly orchestrating shootings at multiple public officials’ homes.

A report published in January 2024 by the Brennan Center for Justice, which surveyed elected officials from around the U.S., shed light on the situation nationwide.

Researchers found that threats and intimidation of local officials had risen sharply. The report found that: 43 percent of state legislators and 18 percent of local officeholders experienced threats.

Thirty-eight percent of state legislators reported that the amount of abuse they experience has increased since first taking public office, while only 16 percent reported that it has decreased. Twenty-nine percent of state legislators reported that the seriousness of the incidents has increased, while only 12 percent reported that it has decreased.

The report also found women and people of color were experiencing more threats compared to their colleagues. The Brennan Center report found that more than 40 percent of officeholders who’d experienced threats or violence were less likely to stay in the office.

Separately, the United States Capitol Police reported that it investigated 8,008 “concerning statements and direct threats” to members of Congress in 2023. That number represented a 6.8 increase over the previous year, while threat assessments reached a recent peak in 2021, with 9,625.

Las Cruces officials confirmed this national trend was present locally across news articles in the Bulletin and elsewhere.

“Women and women of color in elected office have seen serious increases in political threats/violence in the last few years, me included,” said Las Cruces councilor Johana Bencomo. “It’s worth repeating that political violence has no place in our democracy.”

Bencomo added that she’s frustrated that threats against local officials receive much less attention and protection.

“It’s clear that a new era of politics is here,” Bencomo said.