Las Cruces gripped by fear after deadly park shooting—Are more attacks coming?

A mass shooting at Young Park in Las Cruces, New Mexico, left three people dead and fifteen others injured on the night of March 21, 2025. The Las Cruces Police Department responded to the incident shortly after 10 p.m., discovering multiple gunshot victims in the aftermath of what authorities described as a violent altercation between two groups.

The shooting occurred during an unsanctioned car show attended by hundreds of people. Law enforcement officials confirmed that an argument escalated into gunfire, with bullets striking bystanders caught in the crossfire. Many of the injured were rushed to local hospitals, while some were transported to University Medical Center of El Paso for further treatment.

Who Are the Victims of the Las Cruces Shooting?

Authorities have confirmed that the deceased include two 19-year-old men and a 16-year-old boy. The fifteen individuals injured in the shooting range in age from 16 to 36 years old. However, the names of the victims have not yet been released as investigators continue working through the case and notifying their families.

Local officials have expressed deep condolences to those affected, emphasizing that such acts of violence have devastating consequences for the broader Las Cruces community. While several of the injured have since been discharged, others remain in medical care as they recover from their wounds.

How Has Law Enforcement Responded to the Incident?

The Las Cruces Police Department is actively investigating the shooting with the assistance of multiple agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), New Mexico State Police, and the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities are pursuing leads but have not yet made any arrests.

Investigators are urging the public to assist by providing any videos, images, or eyewitness accounts that may aid in identifying those responsible. Police have set up a secure site where individuals can upload footage that could be crucial in piecing together the events leading up to the violence.

Young Park and the surrounding roads remain temporarily closed as forensic teams continue to process the crime scene. Law enforcement officials have assured residents that every effort is being made to hold those responsible accountable and restore a sense of security in the area.

What Did Officials Say About Rising Crime in Las Cruces?

Following the tragic event, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a statement expressing shock and sorrow over the loss of life. She also pointed to a troubling surge in violent crime in Las Cruces, which has risen by 46% over the past year. The governor criticized the state legislature for failing to pass laws aimed at addressing juvenile crime and banning assault weapons, vowing to push for a special legislative session focused on tackling the crime crisis.

Mayor Eric Enriquez also addressed the community, calling the shooting a “senseless act of violence” and reaffirming the city’s commitment to making Las Cruces a safer place. He stressed the importance of community cooperation with law enforcement to help bring justice to the victims and their families.

Has Las Cruces Experienced an Increase in Gun Violence?

The shooting at Young Park is the latest in a troubling pattern of violent crime in the city. In recent years, Las Cruces has seen a notable rise in shootings and gang-related incidents, mirroring broader national trends in urban violence. Law enforcement agencies have attributed this increase to a combination of factors, including economic struggles, gang activity, and the widespread availability of firearms.

Last year, the fatal shooting of Officer Jonah Hernandez highlighted the growing risks faced by law enforcement and civilians alike. His death, coupled with ongoing reports of violent crime, has intensified calls for tougher policies and greater investment in crime prevention programs.

What Measures Are Being Taken to Combat Crime in New Mexico?

New Mexico has implemented several initiatives aimed at curbing violent crime, including increased funding for law enforcement agencies and community-based intervention programs. The Bernalillo County Violent Crime Reduction Operation, a multi-agency effort, has been working to dismantle criminal networks, seize illegal firearms, and reduce gang violence across the state.

Additionally, officials have promoted gun buyback programs as a means of reducing the number of weapons in circulation. However, critics argue that more comprehensive measures—such as stricter background checks and harsher penalties for repeat offenders—are necessary to address the root causes of gun violence.

With public concern growing over the lack of legislative action on crime prevention, state leaders are under mounting pressure to introduce reforms that balance law enforcement efforts with long-term strategies focused on education, economic opportunity, and mental health services.

How Can the Community Help the Investigation?

As authorities work to track down those responsible for the Young Park shooting, community cooperation remains critical. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information, whether in the form of witness testimony, photos, or video recordings, to come forward.

Residents can submit relevant evidence through a secure online portal or contact the Las Cruces Police Department directly. In addition, authorities are calling for increased neighborhood vigilance and community engagement to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The deadly shooting at Young Park has left an indelible mark on Las Cruces, prompting urgent discussions about public safety and the measures needed to curb rising violence. As investigators continue their work, city officials and community leaders are calling for unity in the pursuit of justice and lasting solutions to protect residents from future acts of violence.