Staff Reports
Bernalillo County, New Mexico Sheriff John Allen is taking a stand against Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s gun ban, arguing that it challenges the very foundation of our Constitution. While Sheriff Allen recognizes the importance of community well-being and the tragedy of lost lives, he expresses reservations about enforcing this order. As the elected Sheriff, he feels a responsibility to uphold the Constitution, which he swore an oath to protect.
Governor Grisham’s emergency order suspends open and concealed carry laws in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County for the next 30 days. The move is a response to the concerning rise in gun violence. However, Sheriff Allen believes that this temporary ban goes against the principles of our Constitution and questions the potential risks it poses to law-abiding citizens’ right to self-defense.
Today, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued an emergency order temporarily suspending open and concealed carry laws in Albuquerque and throughout Bernalillo County for the next 30 days. This move has been positioned as a response to the alarming and tragic rise in gun violence,… pic.twitter.com/prfHGdISS1
— BCSO (Sheriff) NM (@BCSONM) September 9, 2023
Sheriff Allen is committed to representing and safeguarding all constituents while finding a balance between rights and public safety. He has implemented several initiatives to address the issue of gun violence, including extreme risk protection orders, a behavioral health unit, a youth gun violence prevention program, a felon firearm possession intervention, a crime commission initiative, and a violence intervention program.
While the Sheriff may not entirely agree with the Governor’s order, he remains dedicated to working collaboratively with her office and the community to find sustainable solutions to the gun violence problem in Bernalillo County. It’s essential to protect the community while upholding the values that define us as a nation.
Governor Grisham issued this emergency order following the tragic murder of an 11-year-old boy in a road rage incident. While there may be legal challenges ahead, the Governor believes that action is necessary due to the escalating gun crime in the city. She has requested assistance from federal agents to address the issue. However, critics argue that this infringes upon our constitutional rights and sets a dangerous precedent.
In conclusion, Sheriff Allen’s refusal to enforce the gun ban highlights the ongoing debate between protecting public safety and preserving our constitutional rights. It is crucial to address gun violence, but it must be done in a way that respects individual liberties and avoids potentially infringing upon the rights of law-abiding citizens. A collaborative and balanced approach is necessary to tackle this issue effectively.
