New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is facing opposition from state law enforcement officials following her attempt to ban the use of concealed and open carry permits based on violent crime rates. Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen called the 30-day “public health order” unconstitutional during a press conference. Grisham issued the emergency order in response to recent instances of gun violence, but Sheriff Allen claims that law enforcement does not agree with the decision. Grisham has fired back at Allen, ordering him to enforce the order and stating that leaders need to stand up for victims of violent crime.
The temporary suspension of open and concealed carry applies to most public places in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. Violators could face civil penalties and fines of up to $5,000. While state police are responsible for enforcing the order, not all law enforcement officials, including the district attorney, support it. Grisham defended her decision, citing recent shootings in Albuquerque as the reason for the order.
Among the incidents mentioned were the shooting outside an Albuquerque Isotopes’ field that left an 11-year-old boy dead, the shooting of a 5-year-old girl who was asleep in a mobile home, and a 14-year-old boy using his father’s gun to shoot and kill his friend. Grisham said she expects legal challenges to what many are calling a blatantly unconstitutional order but believes the action, regardless of legality, was necessary to address the issue of gun violence.
