NM lawmakers review security practices after Minnesota assassination

State lawmakers in New Mexico began reviewing their security plans on Monday following the assassination of a high-ranking state legislator in Minnesota.

State and federal prosecutors are seeking murder charges against Vance Boelter, who is suspected of assassinating Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband. He is also accused of shooting a state senator and his wife, who are expected to recover. Federal charging documents state that Boelter, while disguised as a police officer, also visited the homes of two other state lawmakers on Saturday.

“House and Senate leadership are working with the Legislative Council Service and law enforcement to review security protocols so that every member of our legislative body can safely perform their constitutional duties and continue the important work of serving the people of New Mexico,” said Sens. Linda Lopez and Debbie O’Malley, both Albuquerque Democrats, in a statement provided to Source NM on Monday.

In December 2022 and January 2023, Lopez and O’Malley — along with New Mexico House Speaker Javier Martínez and Bernalillo County Commission Vice Chair Adriann Barboa — were targeted in drive-by shootings orchestrated by failed state House candidate Solomon Peña, who is scheduled to receive his prison sentence next month. Barboa did not respond to an email seeking comment.

Martínez and other House Democrats issued a statement Saturday condemning the violence, which noted that, “We have seen far too much political violence in our nation, including shootings at the homes of lawmakers and elected officials here in New Mexico. It is increasingly urgent for all of us to speak up against this violence, as well as the dangerous extremism and misinformation that fuels it.” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham also issued a statement Saturday condemning the shootings in Minnesota.

In their statement, Lopez and O’Malley noted the importance of “public servants at all levels of government” being able “to carry out their duties without fear for their safety or the safety of their families.

“Targeting elected officials threatens not only individual lives but the democratic process itself,” they said.

Lopez and O’Malley offered their condolences to the families affected by Saturday’s shootings and said they stand in solidarity with their colleagues in Minnesota.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting democracy and the safety of all who serve in public office,” they said.

The U.S. Senate is slated to meet privately on Tuesday to hear from federal law enforcement officials about protection for lawmakers and the safety of their families.

Members of Congress on edge after assassination of Minnesota state legislator

Julian Duque, communications director for U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), told Source NM on Monday that the congresswoman’s office continuously works with state, local and Capitol Police to evaluate any security threats.

“Political violence has no place in our democracy,” Duque said. “The targeted attacks in Minnesota this weekend were absolutely heartbreaking and horrifying. We hope tensions deescalate. In the meantime, we will continue the work of democracy unafraid.”