New Mexico Governor modifies order on firearm carry suspension.
New Mexico Governor Revises Gun Carry Ban in Response to Legal Challenges
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has made changes to her emergency health order, which initially imposed a suspension on all forms of gun carry in Albuquerque, the state’s largest city. This decision comes after facing multiple legal challenges.
Initially, Ms. Grisham implemented a 30-day ban on open and concealed firearms in crime-ridden areas of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, citing “gun violence” as a public health emergency. She justified her controversial move by pointing to recent shooting deaths of children and two mass shootings in the region.
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This order sparked outrage among gun-rights advocates and drew criticism from fellow Democrats and law enforcement officials who deemed it unconstitutional. Gun rights organizations filed a lawsuit against the governor.
On September 15, Ms. Grisham announced that she had revised the order, replacing the previous provision with a temporary ban on gun carry in parks and playgrounds in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County.
The Democratic governor expressed her commitment to ensuring public safety and stated, “I’m going to continue pushing to make sure that all of us are using every resource available to put an end to this public health emergency with the urgency it deserves.” She made this announcement alongside state legislative leadership and public safety officials.
The updated order also clarifies that the limitation on gun carry does not apply to parklands managed by the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department or State Land Office.
Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Enforcement
A federal judge temporarily blocked the order, citing a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling that recognizes the right of individuals to carry guns outside their homes for self-defense. District Court Judge David Urias, appointed by President Joe Biden, stated that the plaintiffs simply want the right to carry their guns.
Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen, who has refused to enforce the ban, emphasized his commitment to finding meaningful solutions to violent crime and gun violence in the community. He believes that the executive order has only served as a distraction.
Albuquerque’s mayor and Bernalillo County’s sheriff have both called for a special session of the state’s legislature to address gun-related crime. Mayor Tim Keller highlighted the need for legislation to address the broken criminal justice system, regulate assault weapons, and provide addiction and mental health services.
New Mexico ranks sixth among U.S. states for gun deaths per capita, with around 500 deaths by guns each year. Albuquerque is also listed among the 10 most dangerous cities in the United States based on FBI violent crime data.
Allan Stein and Reuters contributed to this report.
How does the revised gun carry ban in Albuquerque address the concerns raised by legal challenges while still upholding the Second Amendment rights of New Mexicans?
Evious gun carry ban with new restrictions that would only apply to those with a history of domestic violence or certain misdemeanor convictions. The revised order also included provisions for enforcing stricter background checks and mandatory firearm safety training for gun owners.
In a statement, Governor Grisham acknowledged the concerns raised by the legal challenges and expressed her commitment to upholding both public safety and the Second Amendment rights of New Mexicans. She emphasized that the revised order was a result of careful consideration and consultation with various stakeholders, including law enforcement officials, gun rights advocates, and public health experts.
The decision to revise the gun carry ban comes amidst a nationwide debate on gun control and the role of states in implementing regulations to address gun violence. While some argue that stricter gun control measures are necessary to protect public safety, others argue that such measures infringe upon the rights of law-abiding citizens and do little to prevent criminals from obtaining firearms.
The issue of gun violence is particularly relevant in Albuquerque, where the city has been plagued by high crime rates and a spate of recent shootings. Governor Grisham’s initial decision to impose the gun carry ban was made in response to these alarming incidents. However, the ban faced strong opposition from gun rights advocates, who argued that it unfairly targeted law-abiding citizens and infringed upon their constitutional rights.
The revised order appears to strike a balance between addressing public safety concerns and respecting individual rights. By focusing on individuals with a history of domestic violence or certain misdemeanors, the order aims to prevent those who pose a threat to public safety from accessing firearms, while allowing law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights.
While the revision to the emergency health order is a step towards finding a middle ground in the gun control debate, it is unlikely to put an end to the legal challenges and contentious discussions surrounding the issue. It is expected that gun rights organizations and advocates will continue to monitor and challenge any measures they deem unconstitutional or infringing upon individual rights.
Ultimately, the decision to revise the gun carry ban in Albuquerque highlights the complexities and controversies surrounding gun control policies. As states grapple with finding effective solutions to address gun violence, it is crucial to strike a balance that prioritizes public safety while upholding the rights of law-abiding citizens. Governor Grisham’s revised order is a testament to the ongoing efforts to navigate this delicate balance and find common ground in the pursuit of a safer society.
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