A devastating Mass Shooting at Young Park in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on Friday night, leaving three teenagers dead and 15 others injured. The tragic incident took place during an unsanctioned car show and has sent shockwaves through the local community.
The shooting, which started as an altercation between two groups, quickly escalated into gunfire, resulting in the 53rd mass shooting of 2025, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
The Tragic Incident and Its Aftermath
The shooting occurred at approximately 10 p.m. local time at Young Park, a public space that has struggled with crime-related incidents in recent years. According to Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story, the violence stemmed from a dispute between two groups attending the car show. What started as a verbal confrontation quickly turned deadly when gunfire erupted.
Three young victims, two 19-year-olds and a 16-year-old, lost their lives in the attack. Their identities have not yet been released. The injured victims, ranging in age from 16 to 36 years old, suffered varying degrees of injuries.
Seven individuals were transported from local hospitals to El Paso for further medical treatment, while four others have been treated and released. The conditions of the remaining victims remain unclear.
BREAKING: Las Cruces police confirmed a mass shooting at Young Park, New Mexico overnight.
— Intel Tower🗽 (@inteltower) March 22, 2025
Officers responded to gunfire reports around 10 p.m., finding multiple victims near the parking lot at 850 S. Walnut St.
Victims were taken to local hospitals and University Medical… pic.twitter.com/TRVcjLFaKf
Authorities have recovered multiple handgun-caliber shell casings from the crime scene, indicating that more than one firearm was used in the attack. However, no arrests have been made, and police are actively pursuing multiple leads in their investigation.
Community in Mourning and Calls for Action
The mass shooting has left the Las Cruces community in a state of mourning and disbelief. During a press conference, Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez expressed his sorrow and called for unity in the wake of the tragedy.
“This is a sad day for our community,” he said. “I want to ask the community to gather together, to stand strong and united as we try to heal and face this tragic event that took place in our city.”
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham also addressed the situation, stating that she was “heartbroken and horrified” by the violence. She pledged to mobilize state resources to assist local law enforcement in their investigation.
Governor Grisham also noted that violent crime in Las Cruces has risen by 46% compared to the previous year, underscoring the urgent need for measures to curb gun violence.
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Las Cruces City Councilor and Mayor Pro Tem Johana Bencomo echoed these sentiments, describing the shooting as “a heinous act of violence that will leave our city mourning.” In an Instagram post, she expressed her heartbreak for the victims and their families, emphasizing the devastating impact such incidents have on the broader community.
The Ongoing Investigation and the Fight Against Gun Violence
As law enforcement officials continue their investigation, they are urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the suspects involved. The Las Cruces Police Department has increased patrols in and around Young Park, aiming to enhance public safety and prevent further violence.
The tragedy has reignited debates about gun control and public safety in New Mexico. With violent crime on the rise, many residents and lawmakers are demanding stronger measures to address the root causes of such incidents.
Advocacy groups are calling for stricter gun laws, increased community engagement programs, and improved mental health resources to prevent future tragedies.
The city of Las Cruces, located just 41 miles north of the US-Mexico border, now faces the difficult task of healing from this horrific event. Community leaders, law enforcement, and residents are coming together to support the victims’ families and ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.
As the investigation unfolds, the people of Las Cruces remain hopeful that justice will be served and that meaningful change will come in the wake of this devastating loss.