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Sheriff in New Mexico’s most populous county rejects governor’s gun ban, calling it unconstitutional

Gov.Michelle Lujan Grisham.(Eddie Moore/The Albuquerque Journal via AP)

The sheriff of New Mexico’s largest metropolitan area has declared that he will not enforce an emergency order issued by the governor to temporarily suspend the right to carry firearms in public in and around Albuquerque. Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen made this announcement during a news conference, asserting that the order is unconstitutional and would not effectively address gun violence.

Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued the order on Friday, anticipating legal challenges and noting that criminals would likely ignore it. In response, Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, and Police Chief Harold Medina also declared that they would not enforce the order. A gun rights group swiftly filed a federal lawsuit seeking an immediate court order to block the order.

Republican state lawmakers have even proposed initiating impeachment proceedings against the governor, a move that would require support from the Democratic majority in the state Legislature.

The ACLU expressed concerns about the governor’s response to gun violence, fearing it could lead to overzealous policing and privacy infringements. They emphasized the importance of evidence-based solutions to address violence.

The head of the NRA’s lobbying arm criticized the order, calling it a “shocking” act that undermined the rights of law-abiding citizens. Gun-toting protesters held a peaceful rally in Albuquerque.

Sheriff Allen expressed concerns about the safety of his deputies if they were required to arrest individuals with firearms, emphasizing that he does not want political violence against his deputies or in Bernalillo County.

Governor Lujan Grisham issued the firearms suspension as an emergency public health order, following recent shootings in the state. The ban applies to open and concealed carry in most public places for 30 days, with exceptions for police and licensed security guards. Violators could face civil penalties and fines. Residents are still allowed to transport guns to certain private locations, provided they are secured with trigger locks or containers.

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