She faces increasingly harsh criticism even from those on her side of the gun control debate for her blatantly unconstitutional edict.
An influential member of her own party in the New Mexico legislature, Democratic state Sen. Joseph Cervantes of Las Cruces, blasted her massive overreach.
Writing on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Cervantes warned that “an unconstitutional approach undermines the important collaboration gun issues deserve, and the important role of a Governor to lead genuine reforms.”
The ACLU, never a friend of gun rights, voiced its concerns on the effects of suspending constitutional liberties for Arizona communities. Litigation manager Lalita Moskowitz cautioned “this kind of approach leads to over-policing of our communities, racial profiling and increased misery in the lives of already marginalized people.”
Moskowitz added, “The governor should be following evidence-based solutions such as meaningful diversion and violence intervention programs and addressing the root causes of violence.”
Anti-gun crusader David Hogg took issue with the governor unilaterally suspending a constitutional right. He posted on X Saturday, “I support gun safety but there is no such thing as a state public health emergency exception to the U.S. Constitution.”
Grisham cited such an emergency when she revealed her executive order last week.
Hogg later in the day added more insight to his comments. “I will say and do what I feel is right no matter how unpopular it might be. If Dems don’t do enough on gun violence I have and will tell you.”
Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA), also a party colleague of Grisham, categorized the governor’s controversial action as unconstitutional. He posted, “I support gun safety laws. However, this order from the Governor of New Mexico violates the U.S. Constitution. No state in the union can suspend the federal Constitution.”
Grisham’s office took offense with Lieu’s sharp rebuke. Press secretary Caroline Sweeney declared the order by her boss did not suspend the Constitution but rather covered state laws over which she has jurisdiction.
However, the governor must be reeling from the overwhelming blowback even from within her own ranks. As for the other side of the political aisle, there is a groundswell of opposition.
Republican state Rep. John Block of Alamogordo noted that his constituents “have reached out to me in droves, emailing and texting me that this is insane, this is horrifying, this is unconstitutional.”
Albuquerque was the chief target of the 30-day ban on open or concealed carry, but Grisham will have a tough time seeing that order enforced. The city’s mayor and police chief as well as the county’s top prosecutor all vowed to ignore the mandate on the grounds that it violated the rights of law-abiding citizens.
Further, Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen held a news conference in which he condemned the mandate as a meaningless gesture. “It’s unconstitutional, so there’s no way we can enforce that order.” He added that it will do nothing to control violence.
State lawmakers have filed for Grisham’s impeachment, and New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez announced his office will not defend the state against a flurry of lawsuits.
Suits have been filed by the National Association for Gun Rights, Gun Owners of America, We the Patriots USA, and a class action suit was brought by a Bernalillo County resident.
While the audacity of the governor is disturbing, it is refreshing to see the nearly unanimous response against her overreach. There is still respect for the Constitution, even from some on the other side of the issue.
