A homeowner in Albuquerque, New Mexico, fatally shot an intruder who broke into their home before dawn on Tuesday. The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the shooting took place around 3:45 a.m. near Lost Horizon Drive on the West Mesa.
The homeowner reported the break-in and told deputies that they had shot the suspect after the intruder entered the home uninvited. Authorities arrived to find the suspect critically injured, and emergency personnel attempted life-saving measures. The suspect was taken to a nearby hospital, where they later died.
Detectives from the sheriff’s office who specialize in violent crimes are investigating the shooting. They have not yet released the identity of the intruder or the homeowner.
Social media users responded strongly to the news, with many praising the homeowner for defending their property. Some voiced frustrations over rising crime and a lack of swift police action. One commenter expressed the growing sentiment by stating, “By the time police show up — if they show up — it’s too late.”
Another echoed the same concerns: “We work hard for our things and need to protect our families. When criminals are arrested, they’re just let out again to do it all over.”
Supporters of the homeowner frequently referenced the 2nd Amendment as justification for the homeowner’s actions. One social media user commented, “That’s why we have our 2nd Amendment,” a sentiment shared by many others. Albuquerque has seen an increase in crime, and residents are voicing their frustrations and emphasizing the importance of self-defense.
Investigators continue to review the incident as the community rallies behind the homeowner’s decision to protect their home and family.
