Suspect arrested in connection to deadly UNM campus shooting
The UNM campus was closed and under a shelter-in-place order for most of the day, but has since been reopened.
Lobo Alerts sent in the 1:00 p.m. hour said UNMPD is conducting a 'staged, tactical evacuation' and that people on campus should not move from their location without UNMPD direction. Officers will provide instructions when they arrive at each location, an alert read.
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The UNM Police Department received a report of gunshots fired at the Casas del Rio (Gila) student housing center, located at 420 Redondo Dr. NE, around 3:00 a.m. Friday morning, according to a Lobo Alert. Responding officers found that two individuals had been shot. One died, and the other suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
An alert announcing the shelter in place was sent out on social media around 6:17 a.m. The university first posted an alert at 3:27 a.m. announcing that a shooting had taken place.
A freshman student-athlete told KRQE that he and his friends were watching a movie on the fourth floor of the housing center when they heard noises coming from outside the building.
'I just heard like three pops, three loud pops, and then, uh, we thought it was like gunshots or something, so then we checked out the window and then, like, we just seen like random people running around,' said Jubilee Tasi. 'We heard another popping, and then after that, we were just confused on what was going on, so we just called it a night, and then I went to sleep.'
Jubilee Siitia-Tasi, originally from Seattle, said he has been living on campus since June 13 and has not experienced any other incidents.
'What happened last night is just crazy, cause I mean, I'm still trying to get used to the environment over here, so for that to happen it's just kinda crazy,' Tasi said.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call UNMPD at 505-277-2241.
Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers pays up to $1,000 for anonymous tips that lead to an arrest. Call the tip line at 505-843-STOP (505-843-7867), download the Crime Stoppers app, or visit AMCS online (www.crimestoppersnm.com) to make an anonymous tip.
The shooting comes as the university was hosting its new student orientation, which involved approximately 400 students, and just days before UNM wraps up its summer session on July 29. The fall semester will begin on Aug. 18.
Police are asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers, which can be done anonymously.
UNM President Garnett Stokes issued the following statement:
'We understand this incident may be especially distressing for new students and their families who are here this week for orientation. We want to assure everyone that we are fully committed to your safety and well-being. Future orientation activities will continue, with additional support in place.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and horrified by this act of violence in our campus community. Our thoughts and prayers go to the loved ones and friends of those lost and injured. This is certainly a difficult moment, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed, angry, or afraid. The University of New Mexico offers our community support, including for students through UNM Student Health & Counseling Services, 505.277.3136, and TimelyCare; and for faculty and staff through Counseling, Assistance & Referral Services, 505.272.6868. Please reach out to speak with someone if you need help.
We will continue to provide you with updates via email and through our official social media channels in the hours and days ahead. Out of respect for those affected by the tragedy and to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, we may be limited in sharing some details, and we appreciate your understanding and patience as the situation develops.
On behalf of the entire UNM leadership, I want to thank our campus and Albuquerque police, first responders, and staff who acted quickly to ensure student and community safety. Even in the face of horror and sadness, the Lobo community remains united and as strong as ever. We will continue to care for each other, to lean on one another, and work tirelessly to ensure our campus remains a safe and caring community for all.
Please take care of yourselves and each other.'
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller released the following statement:
'We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of life that occurred today on the University of New Mexico campus. Our thoughts are with the victim's loved ones, the UNM community, and all those impacted by this senseless act of violence.
We are deeply grateful that the offender is now in custody and commend the swift response by law enforcement officers who worked to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and nearby residents.
We understand that this incident caused fear for many across our city—especially for those connected to the university. UNM must be a safe space for our kids and we will continue to stand with the community in the days ahead.'
Mayor Tim Keller
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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