Call for Federal Investigation into New Mexico Attorney General Following Controversial Police Prosecution

The National Police Association has called on the Department of Justice to launch a federal civil rights investigation into New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez. This request follows the prosecution of a police officer involved in a fatal shooting, which the association deems politically motivated.

Las Cruces Police Officer Brad Lunsford faced a conviction of voluntary manslaughter after he fatally shot Presley Eze, a suspect who allegedly seized control of an officer’s stun gun. The incident occurred in August 2022, when Lunsford responded to a gas station alert indicating that Eze had stolen beer.

Attorney General Torrez, a Democrat, concluded that Lunsford’s actions did not warrant justification and opted to proceed with a manslaughter charge. The jury delivered their verdict in February, leading to significant public discourse.

“Today’s verdict reinforces a key idea: no one is above the law, including law enforcement officers. Officer Lunsford’s actions represented not just a tragic error but an egregious misuse of authority that resulted in the death of Presley Eze,” Torrez stated after the conviction.

Investigation Request Sparks Controversy

In light of the case and its ramifications, the National Police Association formally petitioned the Department of Justice for an investigation into Attorney General Torrez’s motives. The organization claims that the prosecution of Lunsford was imbued with political motivations, undermining the judicial process.

Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith, a spokesperson for the National Police Association, expressed concerns regarding Lunsford’s constitutional rights. She stated, “It is astonishing that a police officer has been charged with a felony for merely performing his duties. This is precisely what Attorney General Torrez has done.”

The Incident Unfolded

Dramatic body camera footage captures the interactions between Lunsford and Eze, who initially avoids identifying himself. Despite Lunsford’s directives to exit the vehicle, there was no compliance, prompting his partner, Officer Keegan Arbogast, to step in and ask if Eze intended to cooperate.

The situation escalated when cellphone footage reportedly showed Eze disarming Arbogast by grabbing his stun gun, leading to Lunsford firing his weapon in response.

After the jury’s decision, Lunsford’s attorney, Matt Chandler, claimed that fundamental rights to a fair trial had been breached. Specifically, he highlighted the improper removal of two jurors and their replacement with alternates, asserting this disrupted the legal process.

“Every individual deserves a fair and unbiased jury. This case saw a clear infringement on that principle when jurors handpicked by the defense were replaced,” Chandler argued, adding that this circumstance alone warranted reconsideration of the verdict.

A judge acknowledged errors in the proceedings during a subsequent hearing, permitting Lunsford’s release under stipulated conditions. He has yet to face sentencing, as Chandler continues to advocate for a retrial.

Political Ramifications

The call for investigation has broader implications, as highlighted by Smith. She emphasized that cases like Lunsford’s could set troubling precedents for law enforcement nationally, particularly in jurisdictions with progressive attorneys general. Smith articulated her concerns, stating, “This scenario could have national consequences, especially for officers under the purview of progressive attorneys general who prioritize prosecuting police officers rather than addressing real criminal activity.”

Pushback Against Political Motivations

The National Police Association argues that Attorney General Torrez’s prosecution reflects a pattern of political maneuvering. Smith asserts that Torrez seems to be leveraging the Lunsford case to advance his political aspirations, rather than ensuring justice. “We believe Attorney General Torrez is exploiting this case for his political objectives, while disregarding Officer Lunsford’s commendable service record and adherence to police protocols in this incident,” she commented.

In the aftermath of the Lunsford case, the National Police Association is mounting a campaign not only for justice for the officer but to prevent a chilling effect on law enforcement across the nation.

Conclusion: Implications for Law Enforcement Discipline

The developments surrounding the prosecution of Brad Lunsford serve as a flashpoint in discussions about police accountability, civil rights, and the impact of political influences on the legal system. As the National Police Association seeks federal scrutiny of Attorney General Torrez’s actions, the case may prompt vital conversations about the intersection of law enforcement, justice, and politics.

Fox News Digital reached out to the offices of Attorney General Torrez, the New Mexico Department of Justice, and the U.S. Department of Justice, seeking comments regarding these unfolding events.