NM AG Torrez declines to support Gov. Grisham in gun carry suspension lawsuits.
Democratic New Mexico Attorney General Refuses to Defend Gun Ban
In a bold move, Democratic New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez has announced that he will not defend the state in pending lawsuits against the governor’s public health emergency order suspending open and concealed carry of firearms in Albuquerque and surrounding counties.
In a letter to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM), Torrez expressed his concerns about the ban, echoing the sentiments of lawmakers and law enforcement from both parties. He firmly believes that the ban infringes upon the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens.
“Though I recognize my statutory obligation as New Mexico’s chief legal officer to defend state officials when they are sued in their official capacity, my duty to uphold and defend the constitutional rights of every citizen takes precedence,” Torrez wrote. “Simply put, I do not believe that the Emergency Order will have any meaningful impact on public safety but, more importantly, I do not believe it passes constitutional muster.”
While acknowledging his responsibilities as chief legal officer, Torrez expressed doubt about the effectiveness of the order in reducing gun violence in the community.
“While I understand that frustration may have led you to undertake a unilateral approach to addressing the heart-wrenching challenge of gun violence in our community, I urge you to reconsider this course of action,” Torrez wrote.
The lawsuits will now be decided by federal judges, who will determine the next steps and schedule hearings. Several cases have already been filed, including those from the National Association for Gun Rights, Gun Owners of America, the Patriots USA, and a Bernalillo County resident named Shawn Blas. More lawsuits are expected to follow.
The 30-day ban in and around Albuquerque has faced criticism from both sides of the aisle. Governor Lujan Grisham confirmed that no law enforcement officers in the county have enforced the order, while defending her decision.
During an interview with CNN This Morning, Lujan Grisham questioned the actions of law enforcement in addressing illegal firearm possession.
“And if not this bold action making sure that you’re safe going to the grocery store, you’re safe going to a baseball game, you’re safe walking on a hiking trail,” Lujan Grisham said.
“There are individuals, including young people, where it’s illegal today to have a handgun, openly carrying handguns,” the governor added. “My question to law enforcement is: Where are you?”
It remains to be seen how these lawsuits will unfold and what impact they will have on the gun ban in New Mexico.
Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...