In a shocking turn of events, a video released by the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) in Albuquerque, NM, has stirred widespread outrage and alarm. The footage captures two young boys, aged merely 7 and 9, in a standoff with law enforcement while brandishing a loaded handgun.
This jaw-dropping incident unfolded on February 16 but only came to light recently, igniting a firestorm of concern.
The five-minute footage documents a high-stakes confrontation, revealing the chilling moment as deputies interact with the armed children. In the background, the panicked voices of the boys’ parents can be heard, desperately urging them to drop the weapon.
Drone footage vividly illustrates the tense scene, wherein one child pointed the firearm directly at deputies after they had fired a non-lethal round to de-escalate the situation. Thankfully, the quick thinking of law enforcement ensured that no one was harmed.
As the children ducked behind a vehicle, refusing to surrender the gun, a second non-lethal round was deployed. Deputies ultimately managed to disarm the children safely and restore order without the use of lethal force.
WATCH:
#WATCH: As New Mexico Police Use Non-Lethal Rounds to Safely Disarm Two Young Boys Holding Loaded Handguns ⁰⁰#Bernalillo | #NewMexico
Watch as New Mexico police use non-lethal rounds to safely disarm two young boys, ages 7 and 9, who were found holding a loaded handgun… pic.twitter.com/v5sm1RQWue
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) May 10, 2025
According to a press release from BCSO:
“Today, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) held a press conference to spotlight the efforts of its Behavioral Health Unit and unveil a new initiative aimed at bridging critical service gaps in the community.
This initiative seeks to enhance BCSO’s capacity to respond effectively to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, particularly among vulnerable groups, including youth.
During the conference, BCSO leadership and members of the Behavioral Health Unit discussed the unit’s mission, current offerings for families throughout Albuquerque, and a recent juvenile case that epitomizes the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement. On February 16, 2025, deputies were called to an alarming situation involving two young children—ages 7 and 9—armed with a loaded firearm.
Thanks to BCSO’s drone program, deputies were able to monitor the situation in real-time, providing critical updates and enhancing situational awareness. This technology facilitated a swift and safe securing of the area, averting what could have been a deadly encounter.
BCSO emphasized the value of its drone program, which continues to be an essential tool for deputies in managing diverse and high-risk situations. Technology, training, and specialized units like Behavioral Health are crucial for ensuring safe outcomes for all involved.
BCSO remains dedicated to enhancing response efforts for individuals in crisis. Today’s initiative marks a significant step toward developing stronger, community-oriented behavioral health services and advancing our mission to protect and serve the residents of Bernalillo County.”
Watch the full 5-minute video:
