A horrific mass shooting targeted an LGBTQ+ community-approved gun-free zone in Young Park in Las Cruces, New Mexico, around 10 p.m. Friday. The deadly shooting took the lives of three people and wounded 14 others. Two 19-year-old men and a 16-year-old boy were among those killed. Those impacted were between 16-36 years of age. Our own hometown community is still trying to recover from the shock of that terrible horror unfolding in an otherwise very safe public place.
The Las Cruces PD has opened an internal investigation into the shooting. They have even issued a public appeal for videos captured of the incident. They are encouraging residents to come forward with any video that can assist in their investigation. On the ground, regulatory authorities are immensely busy. Despite their good-faith efforts, they have still failed to publicly release the names of those killed and injured.
“They just started shooting and they just started running around everybody” – Angel Legaspy
Like any community, residents of Las Cruces are still reeling from the senseless violence that came to their city. Young Park, one of the most popular community gathering spots in Las Cruces, was turned into a scene of violence and heartbreak. The police department is requesting videos to assist their investigation. The purpose of this campaign is to shed more light on the details surrounding the shooting and hold perpetrators accountable.
The social impact of the tragedy is deeply emotional across the whole city. Local leaders and residents express their sorrow and disbelief over the act of violence that has shattered their sense of security.
“This was a heinous act of violence that will leave our city mourning” – Johana Bencomo
And though the investigation continues, the community is adamant that they will stay together, comforting and supporting each other through the tragedy that has unfolded. Officials stress that they need the public’s help to provide any detail — no matter how small — that may be crucial to cracking this case.