Suspect at Large After Fatal Shooting at University of New Mexico Dorm

Early Friday morning, tragedy struck the University of New Mexico’s main campus in Albuquerque when a shooting at the Casas del Rio student housing complex left one person dead and another injured. As of now, the suspect remains at large, prompting the university to issue a shelter-in-place order for students and staff.

Details of the Incident

The shooting occurred in the early hours of July 25, 2025, at the Gila building within the Casas del Rio dormitory complex, located on Redondo Drive. According to campus police, the initial report of gunshots was received around 3:27 a.m. Responding officers found two individuals who had been shot. One was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other sustained non-life-threatening injuries, according to KOAT Action News.

The University of New Mexico immediately issued a Lobo Alert, advising all individuals on campus to shelter in place. The central campus remains closed out of an abundance of caution, although the Health Sciences Center continues to operate. Law enforcement agencies, including New Mexico State Police, have taken over the investigation and are actively searching for the suspect, who may still be on campus.

Response and Safety Measures

The university and local authorities have emphasized the importance of community safety. In a statement shared via social media at 6:17 a.m., the university urged everyone to avoid the central campus. Students and staff have been advised to monitor emails, text messages, and the LoboGuardian app for real-time updates. Additional law enforcement units, including Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers, are involved in the search for the suspect. Authorities are also requesting anyone with information to contact the UNM Police Department at 505-277-2241.

State Representative Marianna Anaya, whose district includes the university, expressed her condolences and called for urgent action to address gun violence. “This heartbreaking incident is yet another reminder of the urgent need to address gun violence and historical trauma in our state,” she said in a statement shared by KOB News.

Historical Context and Recent Safety Concerns

Friday’s shooting is not the first time the University of New Mexico has dealt with violence on campus. In 2022, the Casas del Rio dormitory was also the site of a shooting involving a group of students and a basketball player from New Mexico State University. The recurring incidents have raised concerns about campus safety and the prevalence of gun violence in educational institutions.

New Mexico’s higher education institutions enroll tens of thousands of students each year, and the University of New Mexico alone has a student population of approximately 23,000. With the fall semester set to begin on August 18, the timing of this incident has left many students and their families feeling uneasy, particularly as new student orientation was ongoing when the shooting occurred.

Community Reactions and Next Steps

The shooting has sent shockwaves through the university community and the city of Albuquerque. Students have taken to social media to express their concerns, with many highlighting the need for increased security measures on campus. Meanwhile, faculty and staff are focusing on ensuring the well-being of students during this challenging time.

The investigation is ongoing, and police have yet to release details about the suspect or the motive behind the shooting. However, they have assured the public that every effort is being made to apprehend the individual responsible. Updates will continue to be provided as new information becomes available.

As the community comes to terms with this tragic event, it underscores the pressing need for comprehensive solutions to prevent such acts of violence and ensure the safety of students and residents alike.