Crime
Authorities Seek Public’s Help to Identify Suspect in Young Park Mass Shooting in Las Cruces
UPDATE: Las Cruces police have officially confirmed that Gabriel Rickman is not involved in the mass shooting that occurred at Young Park on Friday night, March 21, 2025.
Authorities Confirm Gabriel Rickman Not Involved in Young Park Mass Shooting in Las Cruces
Rickman was interviewed by investigators and has been cleared of any connection to the incident.
Authorities also addressed the circulation of an image depicting a teenager holding what appears to be an AR-style rifle.
Police clarified that there is no evidence linking that firearm to the crime scene.
A thorough examination of ballistic evidence determined that approximately 50 to 60 shell casings recovered at the scene were from handguns, with no casings found matching an AR-style rifle.
Law enforcement officials continue to actively investigate the incident and are pursuing multiple leads.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
Las Cruces, NM – Authorities continue to investigate the mass shooting that occurred late Friday night at Young Park, leaving three people dead and 14 others injured.
No arrests have been made as law enforcement agencies work to identify the suspect or suspects responsible for the deadly attack.
The shooting took place around 10 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Young Park, located at 850 S. Walnut St.
According to police, heavy gunfire erupted in the parking lot, where a large crowd had gathered.
Chaos ensued as dozens of shots rang out, sending people running for cover behind vehicles and in different directions.
Las Cruces police have confirmed that the three individuals killed include two 19-year-old men and a 16-year-old boy.
The victims’ identities are being withheld at this time out of respect for their families.
The injured victims, who range in age from 16 to 36 years old, were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
Some of the more critically wounded were transferred to the University Medical Center of El Paso in Texas.
Authorities are still working to determine the motive behind the shooting and whether it was a targeted attack or a random act of violence.
Investigators are following multiple leads and reviewing surveillance footage while also gathering witness statements.
The Las Cruces Police Department is receiving investigative support from the New Mexico State Police, the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Police urge anyone with information related to the shooting to contact the Las Cruces Police Department at (575) 526-0795.
Individuals seeking to confirm the status of a loved one may also call the same number.
BOULDER CITY, Nev. — Authorities are investigating a vehicle ramming at a power substation near Boulder City as a terrorism-related incident after the suspect, identified as Dawson Noah Maloney of New York state, intentionally crashed into the facility before fatally shooting himself.
During a press conference, law enforcement officials confirmed that Maloney had traveled from New York to Nevada in a rental vehicle.
License plate reader data tracked his cross-country route.
Investigators also revealed that he had recently been reported missing in New York and had communicated with family members shortly before the incident.
According to authorities, Maloney made statements referencing self-harm and expressing a desire to commit an act that would garner media attention.
In a message to his mother, he reportedly referred to himself as a “dead terrorist son” and stated he felt obligated to carry out the act.
A search of the suspect’s hotel room uncovered materials and literature consistent with preparations for a violent act. Investigators recovered books related to various extremist ideologies, including right- and left-wing extremism, environmental extremism, white supremacy, and anti-government movements.
Law enforcement also located explosive materials and components, including thermite, ammonium nitrate, magnesium ribbon, metal pipes, and gasoline.
A subsequent search of the rental vehicle revealed:
- Two shotguns
- An AR-style pistol
- Numerous loaded AR magazines containing .223 ammunition
- A box of shotgun shells
- Two devices described as flamethrowers containing thermite material
- A crowbar and a hatchet
- A cellular phone, which is currently undergoing forensic analysis
Authorities further confirmed that the suspect was wearing soft body armor at the time of the incident.
Officials stated the incident is being treated as a terrorism-related event, and the investigation remains active.
Additional details regarding the suspect’s motives and potential affiliations are still under review.
No additional injuries were reported in connection with the substation crash.
Authorities continue to assess the full scope of the suspect’s actions and any broader implications related to public safety.