It is with great distress and sadness that I come to the Lobo community regarding an incident that occurred on our Albuquerque campus early this morning that resulted in the shooting death of a University of New Mexico student and injuries to another individual who was visiting campus. Law enforcement has needed to thoroughly process the scene and speak to potential witnesses before providing information to the community at large. I know the delayed communication has left room for much speculation and concern, which has caused considerable anxiety among many of our residents. On behalf of the University, I regret that we could not be more expedient in our transparency as events unfolded and the investigation progressed.

Here are the facts as we now know them: at approximately 3 a.m. on November 19, 2022, The University of New Mexico Police Department (UNMPD) and the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) responded to a report of a shooting at 301 Girard NE. Upon arrival, APD officers learned that during an altercation involving a 19-year-old male UNM student, and a 21-year-old male NMSU student, the 19-year-old male was fatally shot and pronounced deceased on scene. The 21-year-old male also sustained gunshot wounds and is in stable condition after being transported for medical treatment.

The entire Lobo community is shaken by this incident, and we mourn the death of one of our students and the injuries sustained by another individual. The impact of this experience is life-changing for so many and will extend far beyond expressions of grief and sense of loss—and far beyond the Lobo community. I cannot express how deeply saddened I am by this tragedy on so many levels. 

We are providing support and resources to anyone in our community, especially our resident Lobos, impacted by this tragic and traumatic experience. The University of New Mexico’s Student Health and Counseling will operate emergency drop-in counseling tomorrow, November 20, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in three locations on campus including at Student Health and Counseling (SHAC), African American Student Services, and Student Resource Center Room 209. Immediate support is available via the SHAC/LoboRespect Advocacy after-hours crisis line which can be accessed by calling SHAC at 505-277-3136, selecting option 3, or calling LoboRespect at 505-277-2911. Using these resources, UNM students are always able to connect to care anytime. All members of the university community are likely to be processing these difficult events and these resources are available to all students whether directly impacted or not. Academic accommodations should first be coordinated with faculty. If students need assistance making academic accommodations, they may contact LoboRespect. Student Health and Counseling is grateful for UNM Hospital Department of Psychiatry and New Mexico Health and Human Services Behavioral Health Services Division for augmenting the emergency drop-in counseling services.

News of violence on and near university campuses has been front of mind on a national level, especially in recent weeks, and we must do everything in our power to provide a safe and secure environment for our Lobo community, especially for those who live on campus. We know that gun violence has become a national public health crisis. Both UNM policies and New Mexico state law clearly prohibit the carrying of guns and other weapons on our campuses.  I cannot emphasize strongly enough that anyone, aside from those with authorized exceptions, found to be carrying weapons on campus is subject to appropriate disciplinary and criminal action. 

While I understand the challenges that come with being an open campus in an urban environment, I refuse to believe that violence of any kind is an acceptable condition of university or city life. As someone who lives and works on this beautiful and unique campus, I think about the safety of our community every day, both physical and psychological. Being aware of one’s surroundings is sound advice at any time, but we should also feel safe at a place that we call home. 


Garnett S. Stokes 
President 


This is still an active investigation. Anyone having information related to this incident should please contact the New Mexico State Police Public Information Officer at 505.629.7104. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.    

UNM Mental Health Resources are available to all Lobos.

On November 20, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. UNM Student Health and Counseling (SHAC) will operate emergency drop-in counseling at the following locations:

  • Student Health and Counseling (SHAC)
  • African American Student Services (AASS)
  • Student Resource Center Room 209.

Immediate support is available via the SHAC/LoboRespect Advocacy after-hours crisis line which can be accessed by calling SHAC at 505-277-3136, selecting option 3, or calling LoboRespect at 505-277-2911.