Investigation Underway After Gunman's Random Spree Leaves Three Dead, Six Injured In New Mexico

Authorities are investigating a series of fatal shootings which took place in northwestern New Mexico on Monday.

An 18-year-old man was identified as the assailant, who was armed with at least three firearms, including one described as an "AR-style rifle," according to the Associated Press. In a series of random attacks on cars and houses, the gunman claimed the lives of three individuals and injured six others, including two police officers, before he was fatally shot.

The incident occurred around 11 a.m. in Farmington, a city near the Four Corners, where New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado converge. The assailant was encountered and neutralized by the responding officers within minutes of the first reports of gunfire, the AP reported.

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In a video statement, Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe detailed how the incident unfolded. "During the course of the event, the suspect roamed throughout the neighborhood up to a quarter of a mile. At least six houses and three cars were shot in the course of the event, as the suspect randomly fired at whatever entered his head to shoot at."

The motive behind the attack is still unclear, with local investigators working to establish any potential reasons for the assault. "But at this point it appears to be purely random, that there was no schools, no churches and no individuals targeted," Hebbe said.

The incident has provoked responses from officials such as Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Mayor Nate Duckett, highlighting the destructive impact of gun violence. Further investigations are underway, with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives offering assistance.

The identities of the victims and the assailant have not been disclosed. The local police department intends to hold a press conference on Tuesday afternoon to provide updates on the situation.

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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Photo: Unsplash