The Governor of New Mexico, Michelle Lujan Grisham, recently implemented an urgent health mandate, temporarily halting both open and concealed carry of guns in Albuquerque for a month.
This directive, which began instantly, is a reaction to a surge in firearm-related incidents in the city’s vicinity. A tragic episode where an 11-year-old was fatally shot and a woman was injured during a presumed road rage event was notably mentioned by the Governor.
Grisham articulated her concern in a press statement, “When citizens hesitate to attend public events, send their children to schools, or even depart from a sporting event due to the looming threat of violence, we know something’s amiss.”
Earlier, Grisham recognized gun violence as a public health crisis through an executive directive.
This temporary prohibition is effective in areas with specific violent crime statistics, including places reporting 1,000 or more violent crimes per 100,000 residents annually since 2021 and those with 90 or more firearm-related hospital admissions per 100,000 residents from July 2022 to June 2023. Currently, only Albuquerque and Bernalillo County fit this description.
The mandate does not apply to authorized security and law enforcement. Additionally, citizens with firearm permits can still keep their guns on private premises, including gun stores or ranges.
The state’s current gun laws allow any 19-year-old and above to carry a loaded firearm openly without needing a permit, while permit holders can carry one concealed firearm. This latest directive does not affect the gun regulations elsewhere in the state.
This move has caused political ripples. Tanya Mirabal Moya, a Republican State Representative from New Mexico’s 7th District, voiced her concerns on X, previously known as Twitter, hinting that law-abiding citizens are being penalized. Similarly, John Block, representing the 51st District, labeled the decision as “unconstitutional” on his X profile.
Steve Pearce, the New Mexico Republican Party chairman, argued that the order only makes law-abiding citizens vulnerable, without necessarily hindering criminals.
However, Grisham remains resolute. In a recent press briefing, she acknowledged potential legal counteractions but welcomes discussions on ensuring the safety of New Mexicans.
Data from the FBI reveals that in 2021, New Mexico’s violent crime rate was almost twice the national average. Additionally, CDC data indicated that the state had one of the highest gun-related death rates in the U.S. in 2021.
This year, the state has seen a series of tragic firearm incidents, including multiple fatalities involving young individuals.
