LAS CRUCES, NM – A peaceful car and truck show at Young Park in central Las Cruces turned into chaos late Friday night when gunfire erupted, leaving multiple people injured in what police are now describing as a mass shooting. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. at 850 South Walnut Street, with a heavy police presence still on the scene hours later.
Videos circulating on social media captured the immediate aftermath, showing attendees taking cover under vehicles or fleeing the area as gunshots rang out. Local authorities, assisted by the FBI and the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, are actively investigating the scene, which remains cordoned off.
Initial reports suggest fifteen to twenty people were injured, but the exact number and the severity of their injuries have yet to be confirmed by police. Some of the injured have been transported to the University Medical Center in El Paso, where helicopters have been seen landing and taking off throughout the night.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as first responders arrived, with concerned attendees attempting to provide aid to the wounded. The police have not yet identified any suspects, and they are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Family members at the scene expressed fears for their loved ones, with some identifying vehicles belonging to relatives who were present during the shooting. However, no official confirmations regarding casualties have been made.
The incident has drawn comparisons to past mass shootings in the region, including the infamous Las Cruces Bowling Alley massacre in 1990 and the 2019 Walmart shooting in El Paso. Authorities are working diligently to piece together the events of the night and determine the motive behind the attack.
As the investigation continues, the area around Young Park remains closed to traffic, with police combing through evidence in search of clues. The community is on edge, awaiting news from law enforcement officials who are expected to provide updates later today.
Residents with concerns about family members who may have been at the event are encouraged to contact local authorities. Meanwhile, the public is advised to stay clear of the area as the investigation unfolds.