In a recent development in New Mexico, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham revised a previously implemented temporary health order that had restricted the carrying of firearms in public places and state properties across the Albuquerque metro area. Initially set to be in effect for 30 days from September 8, the directive now confines the firearm ban to only parks and playgrounds.
This revision comes in the wake of substantial opposition to the initial order, which had been met with legal challenges from various individuals and groups asserting its unconstitutionality. U.S. District Judge David Urias echoed these sentiments, granting a temporary restraining order that halted the enforcement of the governor’s directive. The amended order has now superseded the obstructed mandate.
The initial attempt to curb gun rights faced criticism not only from Republican representatives Stefani Lord and John Block, who had advocated for the governor’s impeachment citing a breach of her oath, but also from members of her own party. New Mexico Attorney General, Raúl Torrez, a fellow Democrat, expressed skepticism regarding the ban’s efficacy in enhancing public safety, urging a more collaborative approach that respects citizens’ constitutional rights.
The outcry extended to online platforms, with Representative Lord maintaining her criticism of the governor’s strategies on the rebranded social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, accusing her of still attempting to infringe upon Second Amendment rights.
Governor Lujan Grisham had initially instated the ban as a public health emergency move, targeting regions with high levels of violent crime and gun-related hospital admissions, a description fitting Bernalillo County at present. The move was partly a response to the recent tragic shootings of minors in the region, including an 11-year-old in Albuquerque.
Despite the governor’s motivations, Judge Urias remarked that the state’s public safety concerns did not override the necessity to prevent constitutional violations. The legal contention surrounding the matter will continue, with a hearing scheduled for early next month and the governor intent on restoring the previously restrained provisions.
