NM Sheriff Defends Refusal to Enforce Gun Carry Ban
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen is taking a stand against what he believes is an unconstitutional public health emergency order. The order, issued by New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, imposed a 30-day ban on open and concealed firearms in crime-ridden Albuquerque and surrounding Bernalillo County.
“We have made it clear that we will not enforce this unconstitutional order. Our focus remains on keeping our community safe,” stated Sheriff Allen’s office in response to The Epoch Times.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that Sheriff Allen has dedicated significant time and effort to address concerns and inquiries related to the order. With their stance on enforcement made clear, they believe it is crucial to shift attention and resources back to their primary mission of ensuring community safety and security.
The Sheriff remains “focused and committed” to finding meaningful solutions to gun violence. He believes that Governor Grisham’s executive order has only served as a distraction from that process.
“Our objective is to address the pressing challenges of violent crime and gun violence in our community without any distractions,” Sheriff Allen stated.
The sheriff’s Transparency and Public Information Officer, Jayme Fuller, confirmed that the sheriff has been in contact with the governor’s office since the public health order took effect on September 8.
The ban specifically affects legally licensed firearms holders in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County.
Governor Grisham linked her controversial decision to recent shooting deaths of children in these areas, including a 13-year-old girl on August 14 and an 11-year-old boy on September 6, as well as two mass shootings this year.
“The time for standard measures has passed,” declared the governor in a statement.
“And when New Mexicans are afraid to be in crowds, to take their kids to school, and to leave a baseball game—when their very right to exist is threatened by the prospect of violence at every turn—something is very wrong.”
‘No Effect’ on Gun Sales
Two Albuquerque gun shop owners have stated that the public health order does not impact their ability to sell and purchase firearms.
However, they consider the executive order both unconstitutional and unenforceable.
ABQ Guns owner Arthur Gallegos believes that the governor’s unilateral action will not hold up in the long run and that it has damaged her politically.
Ms. Fuller mentioned that the sheriff has not yet received any communication from the governor instructing him to comply with the executive order.
On September 10, hundreds of pro-Second Amendment protesters—man
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