In a tragic turn of events, three people were killed and fifteen others injured during a mass shooting at Young Park in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on Friday night, March 21, 2025. The shooting unfolded shortly after 10 p.m. local time amid an unsanctioned car show, drawing attention to the rising concerns over gun violence in the community.
The deceased victims include two 19-year-old men and a 16-year-old boy. The Las Cruces Police Department confirmed that the injured victims range from 16 to 36 years old, with several suffering serious injuries. According to Fire Chief Michael Daniels, seven of the hospitalized individuals were transported to the University Medical Center of El Paso, Texas, for further treatment, while four others have already been treated and released.
At a press conference on Saturday morning, Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story provided an overview of the shooting. He acknowledged that there had been “ill will” between two groups present at the event, which escalated into the exchange of gunfire. “Several other people were also injured in the crossfire,” he stated, listing that officers recovered approximately 50-60 bullet shell casings at the scene.
The chaotic scene at Young Park had around 200 attendees, who gathered predominantly to showcase modified sports cars. Witnesses reported a sudden eruption of violence: “They just started shooting, and they just started running around everybody,” a startled attendee recounted. Others described the horror of hearing gunfire erupt and seeing people scramble for safety.
Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez expressed his condolences during the Saturday briefing, labeling the incident a “horrible event” that the community will take time to heal from. “There’s no place for violence like this in our community, and we will continue to work tirelessly to make our community safe,” he affirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Johana Bencomo described the shooting as a “heinous act of violence” on social media, stating that her heart ached for the victims and their families.
With no arrests having been made as of yet, local police are actively following leads, seeking any potential witnesses or video evidence that could shed light on the events. Authorities have requested that individuals with recordings of the incident submit their footage to assist with the investigation.
The incident highlights ongoing discussions about gun control in New Mexico, where openly carrying firearms without a permit is allowed. The state has struggled with rising violent crime rates, which are reported to be twice the national average. Chief Story used the press conference to urge local citizens to reflect on the need for law and order in the state, stating, “It’s a reminder of the blatant disregard people in New Mexico have for the rule of law.”
This tragic event is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have escalated in the region. Las Cruces has seen an increase in crime rates, including a notable spike in violent acts dating back to early 2024. The public outcry for increased safety measures and accountability within the community continues in the aftermath of the shooting.
As the investigation proceeds, police continue to stress the importance of public involvement in providing any information relating to the incident. The authorities are utilizing resources from various agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), working together to bring justice to the victims and their families.
This developing story will undoubtedly bring more information to light in the upcoming days, as both the community and law enforcement seek to navigate the aftermath of such a senseless act of violence.
