Las Cruces, NM – In the quiet darkness of a late Friday night, a scene of chaos and terror unfolded at Young Park in Las Cruces, where the sharp crack of gunfire shattered the peace of a community gathering. Multiple people were wounded, and at least one life was lost in a violent outburst that has left this southern New Mexico city reeling. As the clock ticked past 10 p.m., a hail of bullets tore through the park’s parking lot, where a sizable crowd had come together, likely drawn by a regular event showcasing modified sports cars. Witnesses described a horrifying sequence of events—dozens of shots ringing out in rapid succession, forcing people to dive behind cars or sprint away in a desperate bid for safety. The sheer volume of gunfire painted a picture of pandemonium, a stark contrast to the park’s usual role as a welcoming space for families and friends.

Emergency responders arrived swiftly, their lights cutting through the night as they worked to save lives. Several victims, bloodied and in critical condition, were loaded into ambulances and rushed to nearby hospitals. Some, facing injuries too severe for local facilities to handle alone, were transported across state lines to the University Medical Center of El Paso, a trauma center equipped to manage such emergencies. By early Saturday morning, authorities confirmed at least one fatality—a grim milestone in a still-unfolding tragedy. Initial reports from officers who were among the first on the scene suggested that at least six individuals had been struck by bullets, though the full scope of the carnage remained unclear as investigators pieced together the night’s events.

The Las Cruces Police Department has taken the lead in what has quickly escalated into a multi-agency effort. Officers from the New Mexico State Police, deputies from the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, and federal agents from both the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have joined the investigation, bringing a wealth of resources to bear on a case that has yet to yield answers. No arrests have been made, and the search for those responsible continues with urgency. “Police are still trying to identify the suspect or suspects in this case,” the department stated in an official release, a somber acknowledgment of the challenges ahead. The motive behind the shooting remains a mystery, leaving residents and officials alike grasping for understanding in the wake of such violence.

For those who were there, the night will be etched in memory by the sounds of gunfire and the sight of loved ones falling. One witness, speaking to local reporters, recounted the terror of hearing what seemed like an endless barrage of shots, estimating that the firing lasted long enough to suggest a significant exchange or a determined assault. Another described the frantic moments of hiding, uncertain if the danger had passed. Young Park, located at 850 S. Walnut St., is a familiar spot in Las Cruces—a place where people gather for recreation and connection. That it became the backdrop for such a tragedy has shaken the community to its core.

Authorities have cordoned off the area surrounding the park, closing Walnut Street south of Lohman Avenue to traffic as they comb the scene for evidence. The public has been asked to steer clear, both for safety and to allow investigators unimpeded access to what is now an active crime scene. In a plea for assistance, the Las Cruces Police Department has called on anyone with information to come forward, providing a dedicated line—(575) 526-0795—for tips. That same number has been offered as a lifeline for families desperate to confirm the fate of loved ones who were at the park when the shooting erupted.

As dawn broke over Las Cruces on Saturday, March 22, 2025, the city faced a new reality—one marked by loss and uncertainty. The investigation is in its early stages, and the road to justice may be long. For now, the focus remains on supporting the wounded, mourning the dead, and piecing together the fragments of a night that began with promise and ended in bloodshed. The resilience of this community will be tested, but its resolve to find answers and heal is already evident in the collective response to this devastating event.