A late-night car show in Las Cruces, New Mexico, turned into a nightmare when gunfire erupted, leaving three people dead and 15 others injured.
The shooting took place around 10:00 p.m. on Friday at a park where nearly 200 people had gathered for an unsanctioned car event featuring high-speed races and trick driving.
Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story revealed that the violence stemmed from a dispute between two groups, which quickly escalated into a deadly shootout. “There was prior ill-will between these groups, and it tragically spiraled into gunfire,” he said.
As bullets flew, several bystanders were caught in the crossfire. Victims, aged between 16 and 36, were rushed to hospitals, with seven requiring specialized care in El Paso, Texas, according to Fire Chief Michael Daniels.
Authorities recovered an estimated 50 to 60 shell casings at the scene, highlighting the sheer scale of the violence. No arrests have been made so far.
Federal agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), have joined the investigation.
Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez urged the community to come together in the wake of the tragedy. “We need to stand strong and united as we heal from this devastating event,” he said.
As law enforcement hunts for those responsible, the city remains on edge, grappling with yet another act of gun violence in America.
