New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, issued an emergency order on Friday suspending the right to carry guns in public across Albuquerque and the surrounding Bernalillo County for at least 30 days. The decision comes in response to recent instances of gun violence, including the shooting death of an 11-year-old boy outside a minor league baseball stadium earlier this week. The order, classified as an emergency public health order, applies to open and concealed carry in most public places, excluding police and licensed security guards. Violators could face civil penalties and fines up to $5,000.
Quizzed on the unconstitutionality of the order, Grisham stunningly responded: “No constitutional right, in my view, including my oath, is intended to be absolute.”
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Grisham acknowledged her order will face legal challenges, with Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen stating concerns over violating constitutional rights and potential civil liability conflicts for his deputies.
This latest order follows a series of gun control measures signed by Governor Lujan Grisham, including a “red flag” law and a ban on gun possession for domestic violence offenders. As part of the emergency order, state regulators will conduct monthly inspections of firearms dealers statewide to ensure compliance with gun laws. The state Department of Health will also conduct a report on gunshot victims in New Mexico hospitals, aiming to gather demographic and firearm-related data to inform future policies.