Staff Reports
The Senate Republicans of New Mexico are not happy with the executive order issued by Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham, which suspended the state's concealed and open-carry laws. They claim that it is an unconstitutional power grab. They are urging Attorney General Garland to protect the rights of gun owners in the state.
Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina sent a letter to the Department of Justice, urging them to take immediate action to stop the executive order implementing the ban on transgender individuals. The letter stated that the order violates the Second Amendment, as well as the four amendments of the US Constitution.
The governor made the declaration last week after three children were shot dead in the past couple of months. But, it has been criticized by various groups, including the state's attorney general and gun-rights advocates.
Due to the concerns about the constitutionality of the gun ban, Mr. Torres has decided not to enforce it. He stated that responsible gun owners would most likely follow the ban, which means it is not clear how it can reduce gun violence.
In Bernalillo County, which is the state's most populous region, the governor's executive order prohibits gun owners from bringing their firearms on public lands. However, permit holders can still carry their weapons on private property.
According to the senators, the executive order usurps the governor's authority under the US Constitution. They are urging Attorney General Garland to take action and defend the rights of New Mexicans. Some of the other signatories included John Kennedy, Tom Cotton, and Marsha Blackburn.
Despite the criticism, the governor has maintained her position on the executive order. Law enforcement officials, such as the chief of the Albuquerque Police Department and the sheriff of Bernalillo County, have stated that the ban is unconstitutional and unenforceable. Tim Keller, the mayor of Albuquerque, has called for a special legislative session to address the issue of violent crime.
In 2020, New Mexico was ranked seventh-highest in the nation when it comes to gun deaths per capita. Most of the fatalities were suicides. This issue is a major concern for the state.
Senate Republicans have asked the attorney general to block the executive order, claiming that it violates the rights of New Mexicans to keep and bear arms. The debate over the issue highlights the tension between individual rights and public health measures, especially regarding gun control.
