Outrage intensifies over New Mexico governor’s temporary gun ban as sheriff vows not to enforce it

The controversy surrounding New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s temporary gun ban in most public places around Albuquerque has ignited a firestorm of reactions. Since the issuance of the 30-day public health order on Friday, various groups and individuals have voiced their concerns and objections.

Governor Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, has faced backlash not only from gun owners but also from Republican state lawmakers and civil rights advocates. Even within her own party, there have been questions raised about the wisdom of this move.

Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen, who oversees the county containing Albuquerque, took a strong stance against enforcing the order. He labeled it unconstitutional and argued that it would not effectively address gun violence.

In response to the ban, a gun rights group filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block its implementation, and other federal lawsuits followed suit. Critics have characterized the order as an infringement on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.

Some GOP state lawmakers have gone so far as to propose initiating impeachment proceedings against the governor, although this would require the support of the Democratic majority in the Legislature.

Republican State Representative John Block, representing a conservative stronghold in southern New Mexico, expressed the concerns of his constituents, describing the order as insane, horrifying, and unconstitutional.

Even a key legislative ally of the governor on gun control, Democratic State Senator Joseph Cervantes, called for the public health order to be rescinded. He argued that an unconstitutional approach undermines genuine collaboration on gun issues.

The National Rifle Association’s lobbying arm and the ACLU also weighed in on the matter. Randy Kozuch of the NRA criticized the order as a “shocking” act of “administrative fiat,” while the ACLU expressed concerns about potential over-policing and privacy infringement.

The order itself applies to both open and concealed carry in most public places, focusing on areas with high violent crime rates, currently met only in metropolitan Albuquerque. Police and licensed security guards are exempt, but violators could face civil penalties and fines.

Despite criticism, Governor Lujan Grisham defended her decision by pointing to recent tragic shootings involving children, emphasizing the need to address what she called an “epidemic” of violence. However, she acknowledged that criminals might disregard the order.

Gun safety organizations, including Here4TheKids, voiced support for the governor’s actions, advocating for more comprehensive measures to protect children.

The Catholic Church also weighed in, with Santa Fe Archbishop John C. Wester emphasizing that the governor is not attacking the Second Amendment but rather addressing gun safety through legislation.

New Mexico’s high rate of gun killings in 2021, as reported by the Pew Research Center, underscores the urgency of addressing the issue. Violent crime, particularly in metro Albuquerque, has been a growing concern, with record-setting homicide rates in recent years.

In response to the controversy, gun-toting protesters held a peaceful rally in Albuquerque’s Old Town, with another scheduled for the heart of the city. Sheriff Allen, who felt blindsided by the governor’s announcement, plans to push lawmakers to convene a special session to address violence in Albuquerque.

The debate over the governor’s temporary gun ban reflects the complex and contentious nature of gun control measures in the United States, where concerns about public safety and Second Amendment rights often clash.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about New Mexico gun ban

More about New Mexico gun ban

• New Mexico Governor’s Official Website
• National Rifle Association (NRA)
• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
• Pew Research Center – Gun Violence Statistics
• Albuquerque Police Department – Crime Statistics
• New Mexico Legislature
• The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution