ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (BN24) — A shooting during new student orientation at the University of New Mexico on Friday morning left one person dead and another injured, sending the campus into lockdown and drawing a heavy law enforcement response as authorities search for the suspect.
The incident occurred at Casas del Rio, a student residential complex, where campus police responded to reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers found two individuals with gunshot wounds, university officials said in a statement posted to social media. One victim was pronounced dead at the scene; the other was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The university did not immediately release the identities of the victims, and the condition of the injured person, believed to be a student, remains unclear.
“Out of an abundance of caution, UNM has closed its Albuquerque central campus,” the university announced. “Multiple law enforcement agencies are on scene and actively investigating.”
New Mexico State Police confirmed its involvement in the investigation, working alongside campus police and other agencies. No arrests had been made as of Friday afternoon, and the suspect remained at large.
In a message to the university community, UNM President Garnett S. Stokes expressed sorrow and outrage over the violence.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and horrified by this act of violence on our campus,” Stokes said. “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.”
Stokes noted that the shooting happened during a scheduled new student orientation, which may have heightened distress among incoming students and their families.
“We want to assure everyone that we are fully committed to your safety and well-being,” Stokes said. “Future orientation activities will continue, with additional support in place.”
He added that the university would remain closed for the rest of the day and that a larger law enforcement presence would remain on and around the campus in the coming days to ensure safety and offer reassurance.
The university has not provided a motive for the shooting, and no details have emerged about any potential connection between the victims and the suspect.
As the investigation unfolds, officials urged anyone with information to come forward, while the campus community remains on edge amid heightened security measures.
