In an assertive move that puts constitutional freedoms in the spotlight, gun owners in New Mexico have openly defied Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s (D) recent suspension of open and concealed carry laws. The governor invoked a “public health emergency” to justify her actions. However, many citizens and gun rights advocates argue that this overstep unlawfully disregards the Second Amendment.
On Sunday afternoon, more than a hundred gun owners gathered in Old Town Albuquerque. Carrying legal firearms and American, Gadsden and “Come and Take It” flags, they expressed their outrage against the 30-day ban on carrying guns in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. The crowd made their message loud and clear: “We will not comply!”
This was the scene today as gun owners open carried in protest against New Mexico's Governor banning the carry of firearms in public. The left often talks about "solidarity", and very rarely does the chance arise for us to show that solidarity alongside people who we may disagree… pic.twitter.com/aEbs1BUOfo
— ABetterWay2A (@ABetterWay2A) September 10, 2023
“The law doesn’t protect us!” stated a woman identifying as indigenous. Another demonstrator echoed, “Our rights come from God, and our privileges come from government.” Ford Fischer, editor-in-chief of News2Share, noted that local police did not enforce the governor’s order, even though it carries a hefty $5,000 fine for violators.
While Lujan Grisham says no constitutional right is absolute, many Americans view the Second Amendment as a cornerstone of personal freedom and self-defense. New Mexico State Rep. Stephani Lord (R) is one of them, and she’s taking action. “So this is why I filed an impeachment, Representative John Block and I filed impeachment, because she has done an illegal act and violated her oath,” she said.
In terms of solutions to New Mexico’s gun violence, Lord recommended revisiting Republican bills to strengthen penalties for criminals rather than infringing upon law-abiding citizens’ rights. One gun owner at the rally pointed out that the governor’s approach was misguided. “Governor, we understand what you’re trying to do, but be harder on crime, keep them in jail, and that’s all we asked,” he said.
Law enforcement agencies are also quietly backing the people. State Police were notably absent during the protest, and no citations were given out. This speaks to a growing sentiment among law enforcement officers uncomfortable with enforcing a potentially unconstitutional directive.
Two lawsuits have already been filed against Governor Lujan Grisham, challenging her suspension of gun rights as unconstitutional. One of these comes from the National Association for Gun Rights. Their suit argues, “There is no such historical tradition of firearms regulation in this Nation.” The legal battle is likely to heat up. Second Amendment advocates point to a 2022 Supreme Court decision that struck down a similar New York gun law.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has been among the high-profile figures criticizing Lujan Grisham, saying she is “weaponizing the order to infringe on Second Amendment rights by executive fiat.” With all eyes on New Mexico, the standoff between a government willing to flex its muscles and a populace steadfast in its defense of constitutional rights is far from over.
While Governor Lujan Grisham may have triggered a storm of opposition, she has undoubtedly galvanized a community around the importance of preserving fundamental American freedoms. As one protester aptly said, “We are a beacon of hope because we protect individual freedoms.” Indeed, as the debate unfolds, New Mexico could become a rallying point for a nation grappling with the balance between public safety and constitutional rights.
