Brothers, Ages 7 and 9, Handle Loaded Gun, Point at Police in Albuquerque Incident
A chilling incident unfolded in Albuquerque, New Mexico, earlier this year when two young brothers, aged 7 and 9, were captured on video passing a loaded firearm back and forth and even pointing it at law enforcement officers. The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office released drone and body camera footage of the event, which occurred on February 16th, raising serious questions about juvenile crime, mental health, and public safety.
According to the sheriff’s office, the incident began around 12:30 p.m. The video footage reveals the two brothers, one sporting a Minecraft T-shirt and the other a Star Wars one, concealing the weapon behind their backs. Deputies on the scene can be heard repeatedly urging the children to drop the gun. "Put it down, baby," one deputy is heard saying, followed by a chorus of voices demanding they surrender the firearm.
The situation escalated when one of the boys pointed the gun and pulled the trigger. Fortunately, the weapon malfunctioned and did not discharge. Sheriff John Allen stated that deputies had fired a non-lethal round to distract the children prior to this incident. He emphasized the potential for a tragic outcome, saying that had the gun fired, deputies could have been forced to use deadly force. He added that such a scenario "would not have gone well with anybody in the nation."
The sheriff’s office emphasized that the use of drone technology was crucial in swiftly securing the area and preventing a potentially deadly encounter with the juveniles. The drone provided a vital aerial perspective, enabling deputies to assess the situation and strategically position themselves while minimizing risk to both the children and themselves.
Following the near-tragic incident, a deputy approached the boys and successfully retrieved the weapon. The brothers were quickly detained without any injuries, and the gun was seized as evidence. As of May 12th, no arrests had been made, according to Sheriff Deputy Connor Otero. The boys remain in the custody of their parents.
The sheriff’s office stated that criminal charges are pending as an investigation continues to determine the circumstances leading up to the incident. Authorities are seeking to understand how the young boys gained access to the loaded firearm and what factors contributed to their actions.
Sheriff John Allen addressed the complexities of the case in a news release, stating, "This case illustrates the complex intersection of juvenile crime, mental health, and public safety." He acknowledged the need to address service gaps and enhance the county’s ability to work with juveniles involved in firearms or violent crimes. The sheriff’s office is exploring various strategies to improve intervention and prevention efforts, including expanding access to mental health services and providing specialized training for law enforcement officers.
The incident has sparked widespread concern within the community and beyond, raising questions about gun safety, parental responsibility, and the availability of mental health resources for children and families. Many are calling for stricter gun control measures and increased efforts to educate parents about the importance of safe gun storage.
The case also highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement officers when dealing with juvenile offenders, particularly those involved with firearms. Deputies must balance the need to protect themselves and the public with the recognition that children require a different approach than adult suspects. The use of non-lethal force and de-escalation techniques is often prioritized in these situations.
The investigation into the Albuquerque incident is ongoing. Authorities are conducting interviews with the boys, their parents, and other potential witnesses. They are also examining the firearm to determine its history and how it came into the possession of the children.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office is committed to conducting a thorough and transparent investigation. The findings will be used to inform future policies and procedures related to juvenile crime and firearms. The goal is to prevent similar incidents from occurring and to ensure the safety and well-being of all members of the community.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of firearms in the hands of children. It underscores the importance of responsible gun ownership, secure storage practices, and ongoing efforts to address the underlying issues that contribute to juvenile crime and violence. As the investigation progresses, it is hoped that lessons learned will lead to meaningful changes that protect children and promote safer communities.
