New Mexico Governor prohibits gun carrying, claims Constitution not ‘absolute’.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham made a bold move on Friday by imposing a temporary ban on carrying guns in public in certain parts of the state. This decision comes after the tragic shooting deaths of several children. In response to critics, Grisham defended her actions by stating that the U.S. Constitution isn’t “absolute.”
Temporary Ban on Carrying Firearms
Grisham, a Democrat, issued an emergency public health order on Friday, suspending the right to carry firearms in public across Albuquerque and Bernalillo County for at least 30 days.
“The time for standard measures has passed,” Grisham stated. She emphasized that this measure is aimed at “quickly reducing gun violence.”
Grisham acknowledged that there may be legal challenges to her controversial decision. However, she felt compelled to take action due to recent shootings, including the tragic death of an 11-year-old boy outside a minor league baseball stadium.
Declaring Gun Violence a Public Health Emergency
In a statement on September 7, Grisham declared “gun violence a public health emergency in New Mexico” and expressed her condolences to the family of the young boy.
While the order allows licensed security guards and police officers to carry firearms, private citizens with carry permits must adhere to strict regulations. They must transport their firearms in locked boxes and use trigger locks or other safety mechanisms to prevent firing.
The order also mandates monthly inspections of licensed firearm dealers to ensure compliance with sales and storage laws. Additionally, the Department of Health is required to issue a report on gunshot victims in New Mexico.
Controversial Decision Sparks Backlash
During a press conference, a reporter questioned the effectiveness of a civil order when the actions it aims to reduce, such as children shooting other children, are already illegal. Grisham defended her order, stating that it would enable law enforcement to take more effective action against guns and send a message.
The reporter then raised concerns about the constitutionality of Grisham’s decision, to which she responded that there is an exception to the application of the Constitution in cases of emergency, which she declared.
Grisham’s order and her comments about the Constitution not being “absolute” sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with many expressing criticism.
Outcry and Calls for Impeachment
New Mexico state Rep. John Block, a Republican, called for Grisham’s impeachment, stating, “Impeach and remove Lujan Grisham. We even have Elon behind us on this!”
Elon Musk, in a post on X, expressed his disapproval of Grisham’s actions, calling them “next-level illegal” and questioning how soon she could be removed from office.
Reacting to Block’s post, New Mexico state Rep. Stefani Lord, also a Republican, announced that she had initiated impeachment proceedings against Grisham.
Amidst the controversy, Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen expressed reservations about enforcing the ban, citing concerns about the temporary order conflicting with constitutional rights and potentially placing law-abiding citizens at risk.
Albuquerque Police Department (APD) Chief Harold Medina stated that APD officers would not be enforcing civil violations of Grisham’s order.
Amy Swearer, a senior legal fellow at The Heritage Foundation, criticized the ban as “completely unconstitutional” and “logically nuts.”
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