Staff Reports
Democratic New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is refusing to back down on her 30-day gun ban, despite a court issuing a restraining order against her. Grisham declared gun violence a public health emergency in response to the tragic shooting deaths of three children. The governor’s action plan includes a temporary suspension of open and concealed carry laws in Bernalillo County, with exceptions for licensed security guards and law enforcement officers. However, the ban was challenged in court, and a federal judge temporarily blocked Grisham’s order.
Judge David Urias stated that the ban violated the rights of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves. Despite this, Grisham has now narrowed her order to only apply to public parks and playgrounds where children and families gather. She claims that this restriction is necessary due to the high-risk nature of these areas. However, many critics, including David Hogg, argue that there is no constitutional exception for a state public health emergency.
Additionally, New Mexico’s Democrat Attorney General announced that he will not defend Governor Grisham in the lawsuits filed against her gun ban. He believes that the order is unlikely to have a meaningful impact on public safety and questions its constitutionality. Raul Torrez scolded Grisham for acting unilaterally and urged her to engage in a more thoughtful and collaborative process with the legislature.
Some state representatives have even called for Governor Grisham’s impeachment, accusing her of overstepping her boundaries and violating the rights of New Mexicans. They argue that instead of addressing the root causes of crime, Grisham is restricting the rights of law-abiding citizens. Overall, this situation highlights the ongoing debate between gun control measures and individual rights.
