NM Sheriff Defies Governor’s Gun Ban

A Sheriff’s Stand⁤ Against Gun Ban

A New Mexico sheriff on ‍Monday refused to enforce Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s ban on the ​right to carry⁢ firearms in the state’s largest city and the surrounding county, saying it was unconstitutional and could spark political violence.

Curbing Shootings

In response to the ⁣recent shooting deaths of⁤ children, Lujan Grisham, ⁣a Democrat, on‍ Friday ‌imposed the 30-day ​suspension of the right to carry guns, either concealed or openly, in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County in a bid to curb shootings.

The move enraged gun-rights proponents across the ‌United States. At a rally on Sunday in downtown Albuquerque, protesters openly carried⁢ rifles and pistols.

Sheriff’s⁤ Concern

Bernalillo ‌County sheriff⁤ John Allen said⁣ he did not want to endanger his deputies by making them enforce the ban.

“This order will not do anything​ to curb gun⁣ violence other than punish law-abiding ⁢citizens who have a constitutional right to self-defense,” Allen said‌ at a press briefing.

Opposition and Public Health Emergency

Some Democrats, including Rep. Ted Lieu of‌ California, also voiced opposition to the order as a violation of the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees the right to bear firearms.

Lujan Grisham last week declared gun violence a public health emergency after an 11-year-old⁢ boy was shot dead in Albuquerque, apparently in an ‌act of road rage. Albuquerque has suffered ⁤record numbers of homicides two years running.

Legal Challenge and Enforcement

The⁣ second-term governor⁢ said concealed and open carry of firearms were state laws she had jurisdiction over, giving her the right to issue ⁤a civil order ​to address a rise in gun violence ⁤across ⁢the state. Her order was immediately challenged in U.S.⁤ district court by‍ a Colorado gun rights group.

Albuquerque police chief Harold Medina said state police, rather than his ​officers, would be responsible⁢ for civil⁣ violations⁢ of the order which carry a fine of up to $5,000.

New Mexico State Police has not issued any​ citations, ‌spokesman Ray Wilson⁢ said.

(Reporting by Andrew Hay; editing by Lincoln Feast.)