There are calls within the state legislature for Grisham’s impeachment, and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk asked how quickly she could be removed from office.
Grisham said that after 30 days she will revisit the ban with a possible extension on the table. She explained, “When New Mexicans are afraid to be in crowds, to take their kids to school, to leave a baseball game — when their very right to exist is threatened by the prospect of violence at every turn — something is very wrong.”
This is true, but not in the way the governor claimed.
The sweeping prohibition on open and concealed carry was categorized as an emergency public health order. Violations carry civil penalties and a fine of up to $5,000.
Even licensed concealed carry holders are covered by the blanket ban. The now-embattled governor used her bully pulpit to lash out at gun violence. She did not, however, draw a direct connection between lawful concealed carriers and anyone responsible for committing recent crimes.
The order mandated a ban on possession of firearms by those under permanent protective orders for domestic violence. Monthly inspections of New Mexico firearms dealers for compliance with gun laws are also required.
The response from lawmakers committed to defending constitutional rights was immediate.
State Rep. John Block (R) took to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, calling for the governor to face consequences. “Impeach and remove Lujan Grisham.”
Rep. Stefani Lord joined Block’s call for action against the governor. “Rather than addressing crime at its core, Governor Grisham is restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners. Even Grisham believes this emergency order won’t prohibit criminals from carrying or using weapons; a blatant admission that this will only put New Mexicans in danger as they won’t be able to defend themselves from violent crime.”
Block noted that X owner Elon Musk is on the side of the Second Amendment. The billionaire, who also owns Tesla and SpaceX, posted, “At the risk of stating what should be obvious, deliberately violating the Constitution is next-level illegal. How soon can this person be removed from office?”
Grisham reported that state police will be responsible for enforcing the executive order. The likely unconstitutional burden on law enforcement raised strong concerns by those responsible for carrying out the governor’s command.
Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen acknowledged that every life lost is a tragedy and that his office places the safety of the community as their paramount concern. He agreed that the issue is critical and must be addressed.
Grisham’s declaration came after what Allen described as the “heart-wrenching death of an 11-year-old boy this past week.”
He added, “However, as the elected Sheriff, I have reservations regarding this order. While I understand and appreciate the urgency, the temporary ban violates the foundation of our Constitution, which I swore an oath to uphold. I am wary of placing my deputies in positions that could lead to civil liability conflicts, as well as the potential risks posed by prohibiting law-abiding citizens from their constitutional right to self-defense.”
Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina flatly stated that he will not enforce the ban. Spokesman Gilbert Gallegos declared the order puts the department in an untenable position with the U.S. Department of Justice due to a police reform settlement. “All of these are unsettled questions,” he said late Friday.
Grisham’s executive order is just the latest in a long list of examples of the rush to do “something.” Never mind if that something does not in any conceivable way address the issue of violent crime. That is secondary to political leaders appealing to their base and claiming that they acted.
Criminals will never be controlled by stripping rights away from those who obey the law. Rather, they will only be emboldened to prey upon a populace whose self-defense capabilities have been removed.
