New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is vowing to keep fighting for her notorious 30-day ban for concealed and open carry of firearms in Bernalillo County, despite a federal judge temporarily blocking its enforcement.
The order, which Grisham referred to as a “public health order”, has sparked much criticism ever since it was released last week. Most of the conversation has revolved around its unconstitutionality, and that it was likely not going to withstand legal scrutiny. Despite this, Grisham maintained in her statement that the ban helped to spur a much-needed discussion on preventing gun violence and drug abuse.
“I refuse to be resigned to the status quo, and I will never stop fighting to prevent other families from enduring these tragedies. To be clear: gun violence and drug abuse are acute threats to public health and safety in this state,” said Lujan Grisham.
The Governor has now called on leaders across the state, from local law enforcement to the Legislature, mayors, and county commissioners to stand with her and enact solutions that save lives. “Throwing up our hands is not an option,” she added.
No judicial or law enforcement entity was actually enforcing the ban, since all parties involved, including the Albuquerque Police Department, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, and the Attorney General of New Mexico all said it was unconstitutional.
Today a judge temporarily blocked sections of our public health order but recognized the significant problem of gun violence in this state. I refuse to be resigned to the status quo, and I will never stop fighting to prevent other families from enduring these tragedies. pic.twitter.com/qRfSCUaNIL
— Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (@GovMLG) September 13, 2023
The temporary restraining order prevents the enforcement of Lujan Grisham’s order, and it remains to be seen what the Governor’s next move will be. In the meantime, gun rights advocates are celebrating the judge’s decision and are looking for other ways to protect their 2nd Amendment rights.
Charlie Strickland, executive director of New Mexicans for Freedom, a gun rights group, said that the restraining order shows “that the governor does not have absolute power.” Strickland maintains that gun rights should not be infringed and that further discussion should be had on how to solve the gun violence problem without reducing citizens' access to firearms.
No matter how the decision will eventually pan out, the one thing that is certain is that the discussion around the Governor’s ban has raised awareness of the issue and forced people to look for solutions. Grisham’s stance may be controversial, but it has certainly started a much-needed dialogue on gun safety.