New Mexico governor angers conservatives with gun ban order
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham whose election campaign was supported by left-wing billionaire George Sorosangered conservatives and gun owners after she issued an emergency order suspending the right to carry firearms in public in Albuquerque and surrounding counties for at least 30 days.
The Democratic governor said she felt compelled to act after a series of recent shootings — including the death of an 11-year-old boy outside a minor league baseball stadium this week.
“Two to three children are killed by gun violence every month in New Mexico – every single one of these deaths is unconscionable and must stop.” Lujan Grisham wrote Friday on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Grisham’s move was met with backlash on social media, particularly from X owner Elon Musk, who didn’t mince his words.
“At the risk of stating what should be obvious: a deliberate violation of the Constitution is highly illegal.” Musk posted on X. “How quickly can this person be removed from office?”
“This Michelle Lujan Grisham is not only an idiot, but also a Marxist through and through.” wrote conservative pundit Graham Ledger.
“In your opinion, constitutional rights are not absolute” wrote “Just Some Lady.” “They are subject to their opinions. Incredible!”
Lujan Grisham, 63, who took office in 2019, said state police would be required to enforce the temporary ban, but Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina said he would not do so.
Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen said he is concerned about this because there is also an increase many questions about constitutional rights.
The gun ban, classified as an emergency public health order, applies to open and concealed carry in most public places, from city sidewalks to city amusement parks.
The highest-ranking Republican in the state Senate opposed the governor’s move.
“A child is murdered, the perpetrator is still at large, and what does the governor do? It … targets law-abiding citizens with an unconstitutional gun warrant,” said Sen. Greg Baca of Belen.
When asked by a reporter whether their temporary ban was unconstitutionalLujan Grisham said, “With one exception.”
And that means that if there is an emergency and I have declared an emergency for a temporary period of time, I can invoke additional powers. In my view, no constitutional right should be considered absolute.”
Lujan Grisham admitted her decision was controversial.
“I welcome the debate and the fight about how to make New Mexicans safer,” she said at a news conference attended by law enforcement officials, including the district attorney for the Albuquerque region.
“I warned everyone that we expect a direct challenge. As you write this, we’re probably getting a challenge, and that’s how it should work.”
Lujan Grisham cited several recent shootings in Albuquerque as the reason for issuing the order.
Among them was a suspected road rage shooting outside a minor league ballpark on Wednesday in which 11-year-old Froyland Villegas was killed and a woman was critically injured when her vehicle was riddled with bullets while people were leaving the game.
Last month, a five-year-old girl was fatally shot while sleeping in a mobile home, allegedly by four teenagers.
The girl was hit in the head by a bullet and later died in hospital.
The governor also referenced the August death of a 13-year-old Taos County girl who was shot by a 14-year-old boy with his father’s gun while they were in his home, authorities said.
Since 2019, Lujan Grisham has signed numerous laws restricting access to guns, including a 2020 “red flag” law that allows police or sheriff’s deputies to petition a court to temporarily remove guns from people Those who may harm themselves or others request a background enhancement – Check the requirements for almost all private gun sales.
She also signed a ban on the possession of firearms by those under permanent protective orders for domestic violence.
with post wires
