It was just a day after the shocking executive order from Democratic New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to ban open or concealed carry of firearms — even by permit holders. Now a gun rights group has gone to federal court to block her “emergency” action.
The National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR) filed suit on behalf of Albuquerque resident Foster Haines in U.S. District Court.
The suit acknowledged Grisham’s duty to prove the order is consistent with the nation’s history and tradition of firearms laws. “But it is impossible for the state to meet this burden because there is no such historical tradition of firearms regulations in this nation.”
🚨BREAKING🚨⁰⁰GOA and @GunFoundation have officially filed our lawsuit against NM Governor Grisham and her tyrannical executive order banning firearm carry.
See you in court! 🔥
— Gun Owners of America (@GunOwners) September 10, 2023
Grisham’s surprising action came Friday after a spate of incidents apparently led her to want to do “something.”
However, there is no linkage between open or concealed carry and the gun violence experienced in the state’s largest city. Her move simply adds to a long line of empty gestures carried out by political leaders to appease their base.
And it has no effect on violent crime, except to embolden criminals to prey on unarmed victims.
The legal action from NAGR seeks an immediate injunction against the implementation of her order. The governor’s action affects Albuquerque and the surrounding Bernalillo County.
It is set to last for 30 days, though Grisham said she would revisit it and an extension was on the table. It is to be enforced by state police with civil penalties and fines of up to $5,000.
The executive order drew a sharp rebuke from Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and Police Chief Harold Medina. Both declared on Saturday that they will not enforce the governor’s edict.
The same proclamation was made by Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman. He was once a Democratic Party leader and is a Grisham appointee.
Bregman asserted that, as the area’s top prosecutor, “I cannot and will not enforce something that is clearly unconstitutional. This office will continue to focus on criminals of any age that use guns in the commission of a crime.”
Bernalillo Sheriff John Allen joined ranks with the DA, saying he will not place deputies in danger of “civil liability conflicts.” He noted the risks involved with preventing law-abiding Americans from exercising their constitutional rights.
