Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced on Friday an order that temporarily outlaws firearms, both openly and concealed, in Albuquerque and throughout Bernalillo County for the next 30 days.
This sweeping measure applies regardless if individuals possess a firearm permit.
Grisham, a Democrat, issued the executive order Thursday, categorizing gun violence as a public health emergency in the state of New Mexico.
During a Friday press conference, she admitted that legal challenges are likely to this unprecedented order and expressed doubt about its legality.
The order states that “no person, other than a law enforcement officer or licensed security officer, shall possess a firearm, either openly or concealed, within cities or counties averaging 1,000 or more violent crimes per 100,000 residents per year since 2021.”
The order’s immediate effect is limited to the city of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, as clarified Grisham. Enforcement will primarily be carried out by the New Mexico State Police. Grisham emphasized that their presence in the state’s largest city will be “significant” over the coming month to ensure compliance.
Violating this public health order is expected to result in misdemeanor charges, according to Grisham. The order does not pertain to possession of firearms on private property or at licensed gun dealers.
This order came after a shooting incident near Isotopes Park in Albuquerque, where an 11-year-old boy was killed in an incident believed to be a road rage dispute.
Second Amendment and constitutional advocates are expected to sue the governor over the infringement upon the U.S. Constitution.
