New Mexico

Identity revealed of ABQ grandmother who shot fugitive intruder

2 Comments / New Mexico, News / By

A dramatic confrontation unfolded when Anissa Tinnin, an Albuquerque grandmother, protected herself and her granddaughter from a fugitive intruder, Joseph Rivera, during what began as a peaceful movie night at home. The incident occurred shortly after Tinnin and her 4-year-old granddaughter had settled in to watch the Taylor Swift Eras Tour film, celebrating with popcorn and M&M’s.

The tranquility of their evening was shattered when Rivera, who was fleeing from police after driving a stolen vehicle, crashed nearby and entered Tinnin’s home. The police pursuit had escalated after officers used spike strips to stop the stolen vehicle, which Rivera continued to drive until it was inoperable. He then fled on foot, eventually forcing his way into Tinnin’s residence.

Faced with the intruder, Tinnin took decisive action to protect her grandchild and herself. “Get back. Get back. I have a gun. Get back. Get back,” she warned Rivera, as reported by KRQE. Despite her warnings, Rivera advanced, prompting Tinnin to shoot him as he forced his way through the locked front door. After she fired, Rivera, wounded, questioned why she shot him, to which Tinnin responded assertively, “Because you’re in my f–king house!”

Tinnin then called 911 and took measures to ensure her granddaughter’s safety by hiding her in a bedroom. Even after the altercation, she demonstrated compassion by offering to help Rivera with his injury, cautioning him against any further threats. Police arrived shortly after and apprehended Rivera.

This incident highlighted Tinnin’s bravery and raised concerns about community safety and the effectiveness of local law enforcement strategies, as she expressed frustration over the city’s handling of crime. Rivera, who had multiple prior felony convictions and was wanted on another charge, faced new charges including burglary and auto theft.

The episode underscores the challenges and dangers that ordinary citizens can face and demonstrates the lengths to which individuals might go to protect their loved ones by utilizing their Second Amendment rights. Tinnin credited divine intervention for their safety during this harrowing ordeal, telling KRQE, “I do believe we had a guardian angel here with us, and I do firmly believe that God was watching over us.”

ABQ homeowner proves why the Second Amendment shall not be infringed

Trial date announced for suspect in policeman and paramedic murders

Leave a Comment / New Mexico, News / By

A trial date has been established for Jaremy Smith, a 33-year-old man from Marion, who faces charges including the murder of a New Mexico State Police officer. 

The proceedings are scheduled to commence with jury selection on June 10th, 2024, at the Pete V. Domenici United States Courthouse in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This trial not only addresses the grievous incident involving the officer but also encompasses charges related to the death of a Florence County, South Carolina paramedic.

The case against Smith stems from the events of March 15, when New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare was fatally shot. Officer Hare was responding to a situation along I-40 near Tucumcari, where he had stopped to assist Smith, who appeared to have a flat tire. The circumstances turned tragic when Officer Hare was killed during the encounter.

Smith’s apprehension occurred two days later, on March 17, after he was involved in a deputy-related shooting incident in Southwest Albuquerque. His capture was facilitated by a tip from a convenience store worker who recognized him as the suspect wanted in connection with Officer Hare’s shooting.

In a disturbing revelation, the investigation linked Smith to another violent crime—the murder of Phonesia Machado-Fore, a paramedic from Florence County. Her body was discovered near an abandoned home in Dillon County on the same day Officer Hare was killed. Machado-Fore had been missing since March 12, last seen at her residence in Marion. An autopsy confirmed that she died from a gunshot wound to the head, and her death was ruled a homicide by the Dillon County Coroner.

The dual tragedies have drawn intense scrutiny, connecting the deaths of both a law enforcement officer and a paramedic to Smith, who now faces nearly 20 charges. These charges include murder, kidnapping, and carjacking, reflecting the severe nature of the crimes involved.

As the community and families of the victims await justice, the upcoming trial in June will likely be a focal point for both local and national attention, underscoring the profound impact of the events on the respective communities. The trial promises to be a significant undertaking, given the gravity of the accusations and the multiple charges spanning different jurisdictions.

MLG leaves state for lavish DC media parties

9 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Saturday, far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham boasted on X about her excursion to Washington, D.C., to attend swanky parties.

She wrote, “So much fun meeting @RealLyndaCarter and showing her my #WonderWoman ring [at] @haddadmedia’s fabulous garden party today!” The party, hosted by Tammy Haddad, a former NBC News producer, owner of Haddad Media, and founder of Washington AI Network, apparently featured other prominent leftists. 

The party was reportedly a “garden brunch” featuring other leftist media personalities from CNN and MSNBC, among others. 

Lujan Grisham added to the post, “Next — off to the White House Correspondent’s Dinner with @POTUS tonight!”

Later, during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, she wrote on X, “Watch the White House Correspondent’s Dinner on C-SPAN. Proud to be here supporting freedom of the press with [Joe] Biden.”


The news of Lujan Grisham’s D.C. adventures comes days after her office admitted the authenticity of a leaked recording of the governor’s call with DHS Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas’ chief of staff, Jonathan Davidso, that she “held off the press” on a story about the Biden administration refusing to “look the other way” on marijuana shipped out of the state.

Lujan Grisham’s D.C. wanderings also come as New Mexicans continue to struggle to afford basic needs, such as food. According to analyses of Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the state is the sixth most expensive nation for groceries. New Mexico also remains the poorest state in the union. 

It is likely, but immediately unclear if the taxpayers are forced to foot the bill for the governor’s extravagant trip.

NM is one of the most expensive states to buy groceries: Report

14 Comments / New Mexico, News / By

According to a recent study from HelpAdvisor, New Mexico is the sixth most expensive state in America to buy groceries.

HelpAdvisor’s study has uncovered a stark reality: the average American’s weekly grocery bill is $270.21, significantly lower than New Mexico’s average of $ 286.39.

“While U.S. inflation slowed in 2023, grocery store cash registers continued running hot. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the consumer price index for food at home was up 1.7% year-over-year in November,” HelpAdvisor noted.

The only states beating New Mexico’s $286.39 average weekly grocery cost were Florida at $287.27, Washington at $287.67, Mississippi at $290.64, Nevada at $294.76, and California at $297.72.

The lowest weekly grocery bill states were Nebraska at $235.12, Iowa at $227.32, and Wisconsin at $221.46.

“Miami, FL, reported the highest average weekly grocery spending of any major metro area at $327.89, or about 14% higher than Florida’s statewide average. Houston, TX, ($302.65) and Riverside, CA, ($300.50) also topped $300 per week in grocery spending,” wrote the outlet regarding the largest metro areas’ costs. 

Mental Floss’ analysis of the BLS data showed the following regarding the highest price hikes per category: 

  • Cereals and bakery products: up 2.6 percent
  • Meats, poultry, fish, and eggs: up 2.3 percent
  • Dairy and related products: down 1.3 percent
  • Fruits and vegetables: up 0.3 percent
  • Nonalcoholic beverages and beverage materials: up 2.6 percent 
  • Other food at home (i.e., candy, snacks, sauces): up 2.8 percent

MLG chides DHS in leaked audio as ‘feckless’ accusations fly amid inaction

12 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A new audio recording posted on X by the account “Chaos Coordinator” shows New Mexico Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham talking with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas’ chief of staff, Jonathan Davidson, regarding the border.

“I’m going to put extra border patrol and uh for the love of God, put them at the border in Sunland Park, where I don’t have a single border patrol agent, not one, and people pour over. And so, I’m cranky with the Secretary,” the recording begins. 

“He knew that was coming, [and] did not say a word to me. Politico wants to write an article. Every single major press group in the state is asking repeatedly, basically accusing me of being feckless. Huffington Post, I mean, they’re all going to run with it.”

“They’re saying that they’re worried about fentanyl, so they’re taking all of our cannabis. And they tried to, and they’re detaining people. Never have done that. We just use discretion. Looked the other way,” referring to DHS enforcing federal laws that ban the transport of contraband (marijuana), which federally is a Schedule 1 substance.

“But the press also knows that Border Patrol is taking a hard stance, and the only way … is either we have to adjust it, or I have to send you a letter saying you’re persecuting the state, you are not using your discretion, you’re not working with me on immigration. And I don’t want to send out a letter, but I’m, I’m boxed in.”

“And here’s what also the Secretary (Mayorkas) said to me, just so you know: ‘Well, who cares? They make a lot of money.’ Well, first of all, it’s patience,” the governor said in an annoyed tone.

“So, I was really offended by it. Shame on them. And then, secondly, we’re the only state that lets baby producers in. If they lose a load, their business goes belly-up.” It is unclear what the governor is referring to as “baby producers,” but losing a load of diapers or formula surely wouldn’t bankrupt the company.

“Yeah, I thought that was really inappropriate. I mean, whatever you want to do with that, but it was really inappropriate. Yeah, if you can, I mean, I’ve held off the press, and so that’s, uh, uh, I’ll send it to you. You know, I got a nasty ‘The governor’s feckless and is gonna let Biden walk all over.’ I can’t have that,” she concluded in the leaked call with Davidson. 

So far, Lujan Grisham is the only border-state governor to have done literally nothing to aid Border Patrol with the border crisis. Even far-left Democrat Govs. Gavin Newsom of California and Katie Hobbs of Arizona are doing something to address the crisis. Hobbs sent the National Guard to aid border communities, while Newsom’s California National Guard’s Counterdrug Task Force, used to help alleviate the crossing of deadly drugs, helped seize over 1.1 million fentanyl pills last week. Lujan Grisham pulled all National Guard personnel from the border as one of her first acts as governor and has refused any help to the federal government to deal with mass illegal immigration.

APS ousts principal after drag queen stripper fiasco

19 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Fury erupted from concerned citizens and parents after a video was posted showing a drag queen stripper “entertaining” minors at Atrisco Heritage Academy’s prom in Albuquerque. The shockwaves immediately began, with many contacting the school’s principal, Irene Cisneros, with rage.

In response to the uproar following the video, Albuquerque Public Schools issued a statement on Wednesday, informing parents that an investigation into the incident is underway to determine how it was allowed to happen and the impact on students. The statement clarified that this issue is considered a personnel matter, and no further details were available at the time.

Now, according to a social media-shared email, Cisneros is no longer the principal. Albuquerque’s Chief of Schools, Channell Segura, wrote, “I want to inform you that Anthony Lovato has been appointed as the acting principal of Atrisco Heritage Academy.”

The email further read, “Please join us in welcoming Mr. Lovato to the Atrisco Heritage Academy Community.”

One X commenter wrote, “That was surprisingly fast. Good!”

“Nice! I’m shocked it happened, much less so quickly,” added another.

Other videos shared on social media reveal that the male stripper in drag not only danced but told the kids, “We’re grown,” while touching the kids, shaking his fake breasts, then pulling out the breast pads to wipe his face. 

More videos reportedly are circulating, as the Piñon Post has learned. It is still unclear who the people responsible for the drag show performance are, however, with the school’s principal no longer in that role, the school’s chief could be implicated. 

ABQ school hosts ‘drag queen stripper’ performance at prom

ABQ school hosts ‘drag queen stripper’ performance at prom

30 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A video circulating across the internet shows a drag queen stripper performing a sexually lude dance at Atrisco Heritage Academy’s prom last Saturday at the Kiva Auditorium Convention Center.

Concerned parents expressed shock and dismay upon discovering that a provocatively dressed dancer was part of the evening’s entertainment, sparking a widespread backlash as footage of the event circulated online.

Speaking to KRQE News 13, one mother described the performance as highly inappropriate, noting the dancer’s revealing attire and suggestive dance moves. “You can see the video of the inappropriate dance moves and how this exotic dancer performed in front of hundreds of kids,” she said, adding that the incident was shocking and distasteful.

Parents criticized the school’s decision to include such an act in a school-related function, questioning the judgment of those who approved the performance. Many felt that more oversight was necessary, as school staff and chaperones present at the event did not intervene. The lack of prior warning to parents about the nature of the entertainment also came under fire. “Why were the parents not warned that this was going to be happening at a school function? It’s still a school function, parents should still be made aware of the situation whether it’s a dance at school, sports, parents should be made aware of what is happening,” said Morgan, another concerned parent.

Conservative activist Elisa Martinez wrote on X, “Lovely. Instead of allowing students to enjoy prom,… Atrisco Heritage Academy had a drag queen stripper perform. AT PROM. WHY? Imagine if this was an adult female stripper performing for kids at prom.” She then urged concerned citizens to contact the school’s principal, Irene Cisneros.  

The controversy has left many parents feeling let down by the school, with Morgan articulating a broader sentiment of disappointment: “I’ve had multiple kids at this school, and I’ve never had to deal with this issue until this year. And this year it just seems like they’re failing, they’re failing the students, they’re failing the parents, to me it’s a fail all around.”

In response to the uproar, Albuquerque Public Schools issued a statement on Wednesday, informing parents that an investigation into the incident is underway to determine how it was allowed to happen and the impact on students. The statement clarified that this issue is considered a personnel matter, and no further details were available at the time.

Amid calls for accountability and transparency, one parent has even requested a refund for her child’s prom ticket, highlighting the depth of frustration and dissatisfaction within the parent community over this incident.

UNM gets shameful distinction of schools with anti-Israel protests

42 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Fringe Hamas-supporting radicals on college campuses are continuing their crusade against Jews, with their anti-Israel campaign of hate sweeping across the country at institutions of higher learning.

On campuses, such as at New York University, anti-Israel protesters formed a human chain, which led to the intervention of the NYPD. During the protest, chants like “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” were heard, a bigoted chant wishing for Israel to be wiped off the face of the earth. 

A terror leader who is taking charge of these college campus protests even admitted support for Hamas, saying, “There is nothing wrong with being a fighter in Hamas.”

According to the pro-Hamas newsletter, “Prada,” New Mexico’s own University of New Mexico made the list, along with other institutions of places where so-called “Freedom Flotilla” protests are happening, being organized by radicals such as “Code Pink.”  

Other institutions, including Columbia University/Barnard College, the University of Rochester, Harvard University, Swarthmore College, Yale University, Rutgers University, Vanderbilt University, and Virginia Tech, among many others, totaling at least 40, “as of 6.32pm, Monday, April 22,” per the pro-Hamas blog.

Among protests are encampments being created by the anti-Israel cadre on campuses such as the University of Minnesota, the University of California, Berkeley, Columbia University, and the University of New Mexico.

“By Tuesday afternoon, a few dozen students, alumni and community members were gathered at UNM’s Duck Pond under two tents with tables, signs and camp chairs,” reported KUNM.

According to organizers of the UNM protest, protesters are demanding the “ the university to look into and address any investments it has that benefit Israel or Israeli companies.” 

“A UNM spokesperson said UNM PD will continue to monitor the situation and manage it in the same way,” the outlet reported. 

Gun permit scandal in New Mexico: Over 700 citizens affected

25 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Six months ago, Santa Fe resident Bob Clark invested significant time and money, over 15 hours and $400, to obtain his license to carry a concealed weapon in New Mexico. However, a recent audit by the state’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) revealed that the credentials of his instructors and others were expired, leading to the suspension of over 730 licenses.

The DPS has found that 27 concealed carry instructors had failed to renew their credentials, prompting an immediate suspension of their permits. As a result, those taught by these instructors, including Clark, have been instructed to retake their training courses. While the courses will be offered without tuition costs, participants will still need to cover ammunition and range fees.

Expressing his frustration, Clark argued that the responsibility unfairly falls on the students who complied with all requirements. “The only people who didn’t screw up were us, the students who paid the money,” Clark told the Journal. “We’re the only ones who didn’t do something wrong, yet they’re putting the burden on us to correct it.”

DPS has issued a 90-day deadline for affected licensees to complete a new training course and submit a new certificate of completion to maintain their licenses. Failure to meet this requirement will lead to the suspension of their licenses, although they will have the opportunity to reapply later.

DPS spokesman Herman Lovato explained that the oversight was discovered during a routine audit. {DPS cannot advise students to carry concealed weapons without meeting the requirements established in law,” Lovato stated, addressing the legality of the previously issued licenses.

This issue has also prompted Clark to question the reliability of DPS’s system for verifying instructor compliance, which he believes should ensure that instructors listed as certified on the DPS website are actually qualified. His concerns were underscored by the fact that he had initially verified his instructor’s credentials through the state website.

Additionally, Lovato noted that the audit was triggered when an employee noticed that an instructor had not renewed their license. DPS is now implementing a new protocol to notify instructors 30 days before their permits expire to prevent similar issues in the future.

Clark has voiced his dissatisfaction with the need to repeat the training, emphasizing the inconvenience and additional costs imposed on students due to the department’s oversight. His experience has led him to call for an investigation to ensure such errors are not repeated, highlighting the potential implications for public safety and civil rights.

As MLG refuses to act on crisis, Border Patrol works with NM border DA instead

14 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Last month, over 137,000 illegal immigrants were intercepted trying to cross into the U.S. at non-designated entry points along the border near El Paso, Texas. Doña Ana County District Attorney Gerald Byers has entered into a cooperative agreement with U.S. Border Patrol to address this issue.

The purpose of the agreement is to enhance the safety and security of border communities by increasing prosecutorial actions. This collaboration comes in response to growing safety concerns for both residents and Border Patrol agents in the area. 

The move also comes after open-borders Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham pulled all New Mexico National Guard personnel from the border early in her first term and said, “I reject the federal contention that there exists an overwhelming national security crisis at the Southern border.” She also dubbed the crisis as a “charade of border fear-mongering.”

Mount Cristo Rey, a key landmark and cherished monument, has become one of the primary locations affected by the scourge of illegal immigration. Border Patrol agents were caught telling a Fox News reporter the sacred mountain was “theirs” now, referring to the Cartel. Despite the crisis, Lujan Grisham will not work with federal authorities to alleviate the effects of the invasion, not even during the special session she has called for July 18, which is supposed to deal with public safety.

 “Mount Cristo Rey has a history here. It was built by El Pasoans, so a lot of people have made their pilgrimages,” explained Ruben Escandon, Jr., a representative of the Mount Cristo Rey Restoration Committee. Escandon also noted the monument’s recent challenges with migration, recalling times when the area saw significant crossings. “Even years ago, when we had smaller groups that would go, we would escort a church group of maybe 60 to 70 people, and there would be 90 to 100 people come down,” he stated.

Crime has escalated in the area, making it riskier for individuals visiting alone. “When people are isolated up there, there [were] a lot of robberies going on, a lot of events that would happen,” added Escandon, who now advises visitors to participate in organized group events for safety.

The new pact with Border Patrol was initiated by the agency itself, which expressed concerns about the local community’s safety in southern Doña Ana County, as well as that of its agents. Byers emphasized that the agreement is geared towards enforcing state laws against criminal activities detected by border officials, focusing on public safety rather than immigration issues. “If the message is brought to those folks who would attempt to cross illegally, that Doña Ana County is not the place to do that because of safety hazards to themselves and prosecution because it violates public safety, then that is more incentive for people to go through the port of entry,” Byers stated.

Moreover, Byers highlighted that border towns such as Sunland Park, Santa Teresa, and Anapra have been particularly affected by heavy trafficking and illegal immigrant crossings. The focus of legal scrutiny under this agreement will include crimes such as breaking and entering, harboring a felon, extortion, human trafficking, and other severe violent offenses.

‘It’s theirs now’: Border agents concede N.M. mountain to Cartel control
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