US candidate paid me to shoot officials, gunman says

A man in the US state of New Mexico has pleaded guilty to helping a defeated Republican candidate carry out drive-by shootings at the home of Democrats.

The defendant, Demetrio Trujillo, says the candidate, Solomon Peña, hired him after failing to win a seat in the state legislature in November 2022.

Over the following weeks, the residences of several Democratic officials were attacked in Albuquerque.

Mr Peña has denied the charges against him and is due to stand trial in June. The case comes amid fears over a rise in political violence in the US.

Trujillo, 42, was arrested last month in connection with the Albuquerque shootings in late 2022 and early 2023.

In a plea agreement with federal prosecutors, he admitted to five charges, including conspiracy, election interference and using a firearm.

US candidate paid me to shoot officials, gunman says (msn.com)