New Mexico AG Pushes for Tougher Penalties on School Shooting Threats
New Mexico’s Attorney General Raúl Torrez has proposed stricter penalties for school shooting threats, aiming to address the surge in disruptive threats impacting schools statewide this year. Torrez emphasized that this bipartisan effort would raise the offense of making a shooting threat from a misdemeanor to a fourth-degree felony, which he believes better reflects the seriousness of these incidents.
Working with school leaders and lawmakers, Torrez highlighted the need for the proposed law, noting, “In New Mexico, we currently treat threats against our schools as misdemeanors, and that doesn’t align with our community’s needs.” The proposed change would extend to threats targeting mass gatherings at large public venues or schools, classifying them as felonies to enhance law enforcement’s ability to respond.
Chief Stewart Steele of the Rio Rancho Police Department shared that threats come through various channels, including social media, calls, and in-person reports, all of which lead to disruption and fear within the community. Albuquerque Police reported investigating 28 shooting threats within city schools as of September, with about a dozen more occurring statewide.
The felony upgrade would allow police greater authority to conduct search warrants and track these offenses more effectively on juvenile records, as opposed to handling them as misdemeanors. “This is about ensuring consequences for those affecting the community,” stated APD Chief Harold Medina.
While the proposal would not increase sentencing for juveniles, legislators hope it will improve accountability for those making threats. Reflecting on past incidents, Rep. Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque) cited the tragic loss of two students to gun violence after prior threats were ignored. She intends to introduce the bill in January’s 60-day legislative session, with the goal of having it take effect by July if passed.