New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed an executive order banning individuals from carrying a firearm in public for 30 days, a decision made after declaring gun violence a “public health emergency.”
The executive order prohibits individuals, even those who are legally authorized, from carrying firearms on public or state property in the city of Albuquerque and surrounding areas. Those who wish to transport their firearms must keep them locked in a container or have a trigger lock.
Governor Grisham has stated that gun violence is a “public health emergency” in the state. She specifically cited a recent shooting in Albuquerque that resulted in the death of several individuals including an 11-year-old child.
Following the announcement of this executive order, one outspoken reporter challenged Governor Grisham, pointing out that she swore an oath to defend the Constitution and that this executive order seems to contradict that oath. The governor defended her decision, asserting that during times of emergency, the government can exercise additional powers, even if it means suspending certain constitutional rights.
“No constitutional right, in my view, including my oath, is intended to be absolute,” Governor Grisham said. “There are restrictions on free speech, there are restrictions on my freedoms.”
Interestingly, Governor Grisham’s actions have even drawn criticism from gun control activists on the left. David Hogg, the founder of March for Our Lives, took to social media to express his concerns, posting, “I support gun safety but there is no such thing as a state public health emergency exception to the U.S. Constitution.”
Congressman Ted Lieu, known for his support of gun control laws, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “I support gun safety laws. However, this order from the Governor of New Mexico violates the U.S. Constitution. No state in the union can suspend the federal Constitution. There is no such thing as a state public health emergency exception to the U.S. Constitution.”
Over the weekend, the National Association for Gun Rights wasted no time responding to the governor’s actions. The group, including members who reside in Albuquerque, filed a lawsuit seeking to block the executive order. The group is requesting a temporary restraining order and a repeal of the governor’s order.
The filing cites the recent Supreme Court ruling New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen that determined New York did not have the right to place certain restrictions on carrying a firearm in public. Dudley Brown, President of the National Association for Gun Rights, said that the governor’s executive order “is in blatant disregard for Bruen.”
In a display of defiance against the executive order, a large gathering of protesters took to the streets of Albuquerque over the weekend. Many protesters were armed with pistols, shotguns, and rifles, openly challenging the governor’s restrictions. It appears that the local law enforcement agencies did not enforce the order.
