Las Cruces shooting now largest mass shooting in recent New Mexico history by total victims
Car show shooting at Young Park leaves 3 dead, 15 injured, prompting statewide calls for action and community vigils
Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News
LAS CRUCES - The mass shooting that left three people dead and 15 others injured at a weekend car show in Las Cruces is now being recognized as the largest mass shooting in recent New Mexico history by total number of victims, according to data from past high-profile incidents.
Gunfire erupted at Young Park on the evening of March 21 during an unsanctioned car club gathering. Police say the shooting stemmed from a confrontation between rival groups and involved multiple shooters. Authorities have since arrested three individuals: two 17-year-old juvenile males and 20-year-old Tomas Rivas.
With 18 total casualties, the Las Cruces shooting surpasses other major incidents in the state in terms of overall scale, though it is not the deadliest by fatality count.
A deadly history of mass violence in New Mexico
The most lethal mass shooting in New Mexico occurred in Chimayo in 1991, when a gunman opened fire during a domestic dispute, killing seven people, including a sheriff’s deputy and an infant. While fewer people were physically injured, the death toll remains the highest in a single event.
Another significant case was the Las Cruces Bowling Alley massacre on Feb. 10, 1990, when two unidentified gunmen shot seven people during a robbery. Four victims died at the scene, and a fifth died years later due to long-term medical complications resulting from the attack. Two others were critically injured. The case remains unsolved.
In 2023, a gunman in Farmington killed three people and injured six, including two police officers, before being killed by law enforcement. That case remains one of the most high-profile in recent memory but had fewer total casualties than the Young Park shooting.
A call to action
In response to the Las Cruces shooting, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a sharply worded statement calling the violence “shocking and unacceptable,” and criticized the legislature’s inaction on crime prevention.
“The indiscriminate nature of this shooting is both shocking and unacceptable, but sadly not surprising,” the governor said. “This violence tears at the fabric of our communities and leaves wounds that may never heal.”
She noted that violent crime in Las Cruces has risen 46 percent over the past year and emphasized the urgency of legislative action.
“New Mexicans are heartbroken, and they should also be outraged that their legislature will adjourn today without having passed a single bill to address juvenile crime or ban assault weapons,” she said. “Their inaction is appalling and unacceptable.”
Grisham said she will call a special legislative session to address the state's ongoing public safety crisis.
U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, who previously represented the area surrounding Young Park as a Las Cruces city councilor, called the shooting a “horrific tragedy.”
“My heart is broken for the victims, their families, and everyone who was affected,” Vasquez said. “I used to represent this part of Las Cruces on the City Council. I know this park. I know this community. And I know how devastating this is for all of us.”
Vasquez added that his office is working to ensure victims and their families have access to necessary support and emphasized a need for broader policy change.
“We are also committed to making sure this kind of violence has no place in our community,” he said. “That means more substantial support for public safety, mental health, and common-sense gun violence prevention.”
Vigils planned to honor victims
Several vigils have been scheduled Sunday evening to honor the lives lost in the shooting at Young Park.
Sana Iglesia announced it will hold a community vigil at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 23, at the Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave.
Momentum Church will also host a prayer vigil at 7 p.m. at its location, 1630 Hickory Loop.
Community members are invited to attend either event to mourn, reflect and support one another in the wake of Friday night’s tragedy.
Support and resources
Doña Ana County and local organizations have mobilized to offer support to those impacted by the shooting. Mental health professionals, grief counselors, and crisis response teams are available to provide immediate and long-term care.
Residents in need of mental health support can call the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line at 1-855-NMCRISIS or text “TALK” to 741741 for free and confidential assistance.
The county is also providing updates and directing individuals to resources through its official website and social media channels.
Anyone with video, photos, or information related to the shooting is urged to contact the Las Cruces Police Department at 575-526-0795.
As the investigation continues, the Las Cruces community continues to mourn and process the most injurious mass shooting in state history — and begins the long road to healing.
Damien Willis is founder and editor of Organ Mountain News. He can be reached at OrganMountainNews@gmail.com or on X at @damienwillis.