On Friday, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued an emergency order that temporarily suspends the right to carry firearms in public throughout Albuquerque and the surrounding county for a minimum of 30 days, in response to a recent surge in gun violence.

The governor, a member of the Democratic party, acknowledged that she anticipates legal challenges but felt compelled to take action due to recent shootings, notably the tragic death of an 11-year-old boy near a minor league baseball stadium earlier in the week.

Governor Lujan Grisham specified that the enforcement of this measure, which falls under civil violations, would be carried out by state police, the Associated Press reported.

However, Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina expressed his intent not to enforce it, and Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen expressed unease, citing concerns about potential infringements on constitutional rights.

This firearms suspension, categorized as an emergency public health order, applies to both open and concealed carry in most public spaces, encompassing city sidewalks and urban recreational parks, but it is specifically tied to a threshold for violent crime rates that is currently only met within metropolitan Albuquerque.

Notably, the ban does not apply to police officers and licensed security personnel.

Individuals found in violation of this order may face civil penalties and fines of up to $5,000, according to gubernatorial spokesperson Caroline Sweeney.

Nevertheless, residents are still permitted to transport firearms to certain private locations, such as gun ranges or stores, as long as the firearm is secured with a trigger lock or another mechanism that renders it incapable of discharging.

Governor Lujan Grisham acknowledged that not all law enforcement officials were in agreement with her decision.

Written by staff