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SANTA FE, N.M., May 15, 2026—Santa Fe County Commissioners are unified in their message against hate in response to the death of Santa Fe transgender teen, Juniper Blessing, that took place in Seattle this week.

“A violent crime on one of us, attacks and injures all of us. As a County, we come together to call Zero tolerance of hate and to defend and support our diverse LGBTQIA2S+ community," said Commissioner, District 2, Lisa Cacari Stone.

Santa Fe County unequivocally stands with transgender persons and all members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, mourning the devastating loss of Juniper Blessing, honoring their memory, and declaring that their life mattered—in Santa Fe, in Seattle, and everywhere.

“This tragic assault and murder of Juniper is heartbreaking for everyone. In this day and age, we should be able to live in peace and safety alongside everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, orientation or any personal preferences. My heart goes out to everyone that knew Juniper, from their family to the New Mexico School for the Arts community to Santa Fe as a whole and everyone they touched in their short life. I stand with Juniper and their loved ones and will continue to advocate for acceptance for everyone that is willing to accept everyone else. Hate has no place in Santa Fe or our hearts. Our diversity is our strength,” shared Commissioner and Chair, District 1, Justin S. Greene.

The LGBTQIA2S+ community encompasses lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, Two-Spirit, and all other persons of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions, and contributes immeasurably to the cultural, artistic, civic, and social fabric of Santa Fe County.

"It appears that Juniper Blessing was murdered because they were living their distinct expression of themselves, how they felt comfortable in their own skin. That someone would kill another human being based on any aspect of their identity—gender, race, age, nation of origin, religion, the list goes on—makes me sick. Humanity can and should be better than that. But because we still have work to do on ourselves as a species, we must reaffirm our commitment to those most vulnerable in our population. The Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners is committed to protecting and uplifting its people, no matter what, especially those most in need of extra protection simply because of who they are," said Commissioner, District 4, Adam F. Johnson.

Transgender and gender-nonconforming people face disproportionate rates of violence, with advocacy organizations documenting a record high number of fatal attacks in recent years, including 27 known deaths from violence in the United States between November 2024 and November 2025, according to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

“The murder of Juniper Blessing was a horrible act. We grieve along with their family and friends during this very hard time. We need to stand up for all human rights and especially for transgender people who are so vulnerable at this time,” said Commissioner, District 5, Hank Hughes.

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