NM Gov Defiantly Defends Suspending Gun Rights: Police Can’t Dictate Constitutionality.
Governor Mocks Sheriff’s Stance on Gun Rights
In a heated exchange, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham responded to Sheriff John Allen’s refusal to enforce a segment of her order suspending the right to carry open and concealed guns publicly. The sheriff, echoing the state’s attorney general, argued that the move was unconstitutional. However, the governor dismissed his concerns, stating, “It’s not for police to tell me what’s constitutional or not.”
Sheriff Stands Firm on Constitutional Grounds
Sheriff Allen, from Bernalillo County, made his position clear: “The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office will not enforce this segment of the order. While I understand the urgency, the temporary ban challenges the foundations of our Constitution. But most importantly, it is unconstitutional.”
A Clash of Views
During an interview with CNN’s Poppy Harlow, Governor Grisham expressed her frustration with law enforcement’s opposition to her order. She snapped, “It’s not for police to tell me what’s constitutional or not. They haven’t supported one, not one gun violence effort in the State of New Mexico, including domestic violence protections, universal background checks.”
Harlow, pointing out that Grisham is an attorney, questioned the governor’s confidence in the constitutionality of her order. Grisham responded defiantly, ”Well, we’re going to see. I mean, look, I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t think I had the right. I have the right.”
Constitutional Grounds Challenged
Harlow pressed further, citing Article 2, Section 6 of the New Mexico constitution, which protects the right to bear arms. She argued that the governor’s order may violate both the U.S. Constitution and the state’s constitution. Grisham dismissed the concern, stating, “I don’t believe that we are. And if that narrow reading of the constitution, which has been tested in the state, we wouldn’t have universal background checks, we wouldn’t have a waiting period, we wouldn’t have a red flag law, we wouldn’t have prohibitions for straw purchases. None of those would have been deemed constitutional. And today all of them are.”
Harlow reminded Grisham that these laws were established before the Supreme Court ruling. However, the governor argued that they haven’t been tested again.
A Battle for Rights
As the debate continued, Harlow questioned the governor’s intentions. Grisham responded confidently, “Listen, I can make any number of statements and already have.”
N.M. @GovMLG: ”It’s not for police to tell me what’s constitutional or not. They haven’t supported one, not one gun violence effort in the state of New Mexico, including domestic violence protections, universal background checks.” pic.twitter.com/KE7YT0BS9B
— Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) September 12, 2023
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
