New Mexico Schools Plagued by Nearby Shootings

Data reveals over 800 shootings near schools in the past decade, resulting in hundreds of deaths

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:09am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent shell casing on the ground, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the gritty, investigative nature of the gun violence crisis surrounding New Mexico schools.The alarming number of shootings near New Mexico schools has created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity around these educational institutions.Albuquerque Today

A new data analysis has uncovered a shocking trend of gun violence near schools in New Mexico, with over 800 shootings in the past 10 years resulting in 526 deaths. The data shows certain schools, like La Mesa Elementary in Albuquerque, have been disproportionately impacted, with 24 shootings and 20 fatalities within 500 yards of the campus.

Why it matters

This data highlights the urgent need to address the public safety crisis unfolding around New Mexico schools, which should be sanctuaries for learning. The high number of shootings in close proximity to schools raises serious concerns about the wellbeing of students, teachers, and the broader community, and underscores the failure of existing laws and policies to protect these vulnerable areas.

The details

According to the analysis, there have been 833 shootings adjacent to New Mexico schools over the past decade, resulting in 526 fatalities. Certain schools like La Mesa Elementary in Albuquerque's International District have been especially hard hit, with 24 shootings and 20 deaths within 500 yards of the campus. Other schools with high numbers of nearby shootings include Missouri Avenue and Valley View Elementary in Roswell, and Las Montanas Charter and Lynn Middle Schools in Las Cruces.

  • The data covers the past 10 years, from 2016 to 2026.
  • On average, there is more than one shooting per week near New Mexico schools.

The players

Darren White

Former Bernalillo County sheriff and public safety director, who expressed shock at the high number of shootings near schools.

Andrew Burson

A 16-year-old who was killed right next to the football field at West Mesa High School.

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What they’re saying

“When you first told me the numbers, I thought I heard you wrong. I was shocked that there are so many shootings close proximity to our schools.”

— Darren White, Former Bernalillo County sheriff and public safety director

“If it's being reported that it's over 800 in this period of time, how many more are taking place that haven't been reported that we didn't know about? And so I would argue, like in many of our crime stats, that number is even higher. And, uh ... It's chilling, it really is.”

— Darren White, Former Bernalillo County sheriff and public safety director

What’s next

Lawmakers and law enforcement officials in New Mexico are expected to hold emergency meetings to address the alarming data and develop new strategies to improve school safety and reduce gun violence in the vicinity of educational institutions.

The takeaway

This data paints a disturbing picture of the threats facing New Mexico schools, which should be safe havens for learning but have instead become danger zones plagued by gun violence. Urgent action is needed to protect students, teachers, and the broader community from this public safety crisis unfolding around the state's educational institutions.