Attorney General Raúl Torrez Proposes New Legislation to Combat Rise in Mass Shooting Threats

Rio Rancho, NM – Today, Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced a proposed legislative amendment to strengthen penalties for individuals who threaten mass shootings. The amendment targets Section 30-20-16, “Bomb Scares and Shooting Threats Unlawful,” elevating the offense from a misdemeanor to a fourth-degree felony. This initiative responds to the growing number of mass shooting threats aimed at large public venues, including schools, across New Mexico.

“Mass shooting threats are not only a danger to public safety but a profound disruption to our communities and schools,” said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. “These threats create fear, drain essential resources, and place an enormous burden on students, educators, and families. I’m grateful to Representative Joy Garratt for stepping up to champion this legislation and for her steadfast commitment to the safety and well-being of New Mexico’s families. Together, we’re sending a clear message: New Mexico will not tolerate threats that terrorize our communities and endanger our children.”

Mass shooting threats have long posed a challenge nationwide, yet their frequency has sharply increased in New Mexico. Just last month, schools in Albuquerque, Cimarron, Clovis, Las Cruces, Raton, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, and Taos received such threats. Each threat places significant strain on local officials, requiring extensive investigation and diverting critical resources that could otherwise address other urgent crimes.

Beyond the direct impact on community safety and resource allocation, these threats severely disrupt students’ lives, leading to missed school hours, cancellations, and delays—all of which force students to catch up on their studies. The emotional toll on students and families can be profound, often resulting in lasting socio-emotional effects.

Attorney General Raúl Torrez was joined by Representative Joy Garratt, Rio Rancho Public Schools Chief Operations Officer Michael Baker, Executive Director of Safety Sal Maniaci, Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina and Pojoaque Valley School District Superintendent Amy Suman, at Cleveland High School in Rio Rancho for the announcement.

“As educators and administrators, our top priority is to create safe, supportive learning environments where students can thrive without fear,” said Rio Rancho Public Schools Chief Operations Officer Michael Baker. “This legislative proposal to increase penalties for making threats against schools underscores our critical need to protect our students, staff, and community from the serious disruptions and potential harm that such threats cause.”

“No child of any age should fear going to school because they might get shot,” said State Representative Joy Garratt (District 29). “This legislation will not impact juvenile penalties but will assist law enforcement in protecting schools and school children.”

“Swatting threats do more than disrupt classes—they devastate a child’s sense of safety and strain our schools and law enforcement. For many children, school is a lifeline, offering food, security, and support. When these spaces are attacked, it’s an assault on our entire community. In New Mexico, where most counties are rural, our schools are vital to our children’s well-being. We must act now to protect them by supporting stronger penalties against swatting.” said Amy Suman Superintendent of Pojoaque Valley School District

“We have seen the impact these incident have on our community as our police department handles a concerning number of mass shooting threats with the largest school district within our jurisdiction,” said APD Chief of Police Harold Medina. “I fully support strengthening penalties for those who threaten these shootings as they not only rob our children of any sense of feeling safe at school, but also are a significant burden on public safety resources.”

Some of the schools affected this year throughout the state include:

  • Camino Real Middle School
  • Centennial High School
  • Cimarron High School
  • Cimarron Elementary School
  • Eagle Nest School
  • Nex+ Gen Academy
  • Puesta Del Sol Elementary
  • Raton High School
  • Santa Fe High School
  • Pojoaque Valley High School
  • Volcano Vista High School
  • Del Norte High School
  • And more.

Anyone with information regarding a mass shooting threat are encouraged to report it to their local law enforcement officials.

Below is a link to view the proposed amendment to Section 30-20-16, “Bomb Scares and Shooting Threats Unlawful:”

Section 30-20-16 Proposed Amendment