LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — In the aftermath of a mass shooting in Las Cruces that left three people dead and 15 others injured, Doña Ana County District Attorney Fernando Macias emphasized the rapid response of law enforcement and the ongoing efforts to bring those responsible to justice.
“Certainly there should be a lot of concern in terms of the violence that was displayed [Friday],” Macias said. “The good thing that the community should know is really the strength of law enforcement, how quickly they responded, the thoroughness of the work that they’re doing.”
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Macias revealed that his office has been actively supporting law enforcement by authorizing the issuance of at least five search warrants. These warrants are part of the investigation into the individuals responsible for what he described as a “horrific act.”
“Early this morning, and I’m talking probably a few minutes after midnight, law enforcement was already communicating with the prosecutor on call, looking for support and review of search warrants and basically an authorization to proceed with them,” Macias said.
Las Cruces Police have detained individuals in connection with the shooting.
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Macias noted the community’s role in aiding the investigation, stating, “It shows how quickly they have gone forward, how quickly people in the community have come forward to basically help identify who was involved.”
Macias added that the list of potential suspects might expand as more people come forward with videos and eyewitness accounts.
Despite the senseless tragedy, Macias urged the community not to succumb to fear.
“Be strong. Know that your law enforcement agencies are taking action,” Macias said.
Macias also called on parents to be vigilant about their children’s activities, noting that while the identified suspects are adults, the involvement of young people in such activities is concerning.
This last sentiment echoing something the mayor of Las Cruces Eric Enriquez said in an earlier with KFOX14/CBS4.
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