Mayor Eric Enriquez City of Las Cruces | City of Las Cruces
Mayor Eric Enriquez City of Las Cruces | City of Las Cruces
Mayor Pro Tem Bencomo has issued a statement following the recent mass shooting at Young Park. In his remarks, he expressed deep emotions such as grief and anger while emphasizing the need for action against gun violence.
"It’s been clear for some time; the kids are not alright," he stated, highlighting concerns about the high number of guns in the country and insufficient efforts to alleviate poverty and trauma. He called for accountability for violent acts but stressed the importance of preventing future incidents.
Bencomo rejected limiting options for at-risk youth to jail or death, advocating instead for a comprehensive approach to address gun violence among young people. "We must partner with law enforcement AND community-based organizations to prevent gun crimes before they happen," he urged, calling for collaboration with state legislators on enhanced gun safety legislation and improvements in behavioral health infrastructure.
The statement also addressed the disproportionate impact of gun violence on Latino/Hispanic communities. Citing data from the Gifford Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, Bencomo emphasized understanding this burden is crucial for creating effective solutions.
Expressing concern over young Latino men being drawn into a culture of violence compounded by gun culture, Bencomo argued against punitive measures that lead to incarceration without addressing underlying issues. "We demand jails and police bring us peace while ignoring solutions that live outside of the carceral system," he said.
Bencomo called on residents to support initiatives like the Together Las Cruces Crisis Action Fund through the Community Foundation of Southern NM. The city has also set up a Victim’s Resource center with bilingual services available.
He concluded by urging unity in seeking justice beyond apprehending perpetrators, emphasizing collaborative efforts to prevent future tragedies: "Justice must mean more than catching those responsible; it must mean fighting together to do better by our young people."
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