ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A violent and tragic early morning shooting at the University of New Mexico (UNM) has left one person dead, another injured, and the entire central Albuquerque campus on high alert as law enforcement continues the search for the suspect.
The incident unfolded in the early hours of Friday, July 25, when UNM Police received reports of gunfire at Casas del Rio – Gila, a student housing complex located at 420 Redondo Dr. NE, near the heart of campus. Officers responded swiftly and discovered two individuals had been shot. One of the victims succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The other sustained injuries that were described as non-life-threatening and is receiving medical treatment.
At this time, the suspect has not been apprehended and is believed to still be on or near campus, prompting a rapid escalation in campus security measures.
Shelter-in-Place Issued; Campus Closed
As the threat emerged, the university activated its Lobo Alert system, sending a message on social media and via emergency channels at approximately 6:17 a.m. local time, instructing students, faculty, and staff to shelter in place.
“Subject with a firearm is at large, police are on scene. If on campus, continue to shelter in place,” the alert stated.
An earlier Lobo Alert, issued at 3:27 a.m., warned of the initial shooting, with authorities urging everyone to stay away from the area.
By sunrise, UNM’s central campus was officially closed, and multiple law enforcement agencies had converged on the scene, including UNM Police, Albuquerque Police Department, and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. K-9 units and tactical teams were seen canvassing the area, while helicopters hovered above the campus as part of the ongoing manhunt.
Investigation Ongoing; Public Urged to Remain Vigilant
Officials have not yet released the identities of the victims or any details about the suspect. Investigators are interviewing witnesses, reviewing security footage, and continuing to search the surrounding area, including nearby residential and academic buildings.
Anyone who may have seen or heard anything related to the shooting, or who has knowledge of the suspect’s identity or location, is urged to contact UNM Police at 505-277-2241.
“We’re treating this as an active and ongoing investigation,” said one official at the scene. “The safety of our students and campus community remains our top priority.”
Campus Tensions Still High After Past Violence
This tragedy brings renewed concern to a university that has previously seen violence in its student housing complexes. In 2022, Casas del Rio was the scene of another high-profile shooting involving a New Mexico State University basketball player. In that case, a group of UNM students allegedly attempted to ambush the athlete, reportedly as retaliation for an earlier altercation. During the confrontation, a firearm was produced and shots were exchanged, resulting in the death of one of the alleged attackers.
That incident led to an intense debate about student safety, campus security measures, and gun violence within university settings.
Today’s shooting adds a new layer of fear and urgency, and university officials are expected to revisit existing safety protocols and mental health support resources in response.
What Comes Next
As of now, students and staff are being instructed to stay in place until further notice. The university will continue to communicate via Lobo Alerts and social media platforms as new information becomes available. No timeline has been given for when the shelter-in-place order may be lifted, and classes and operations on the central campus remain suspended.
This is a developing story. Authorities are urging calm, vigilance, and cooperation from the community as they work to bring the situation under control and identify the person responsible for this senseless act of violence.
If you have any information, call UNM Police Department at 505-277-2241.
Stay with local news outlets and official UNM channels for updates throughout the day.
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