Staff Reports
After facing backlash and legal challenges, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham modified her executive order to allow people to carry firearms in certain areas of the state. However, she kept the ban on open carry in place for parks and playgrounds.
Despite the governor's efforts to address the issue of gun violence in New Mexico, the city of Albuquerque still continues to experience violent crime and gunfire. This issue, along with other factors, prompted Lujan Grisham to issue a press statement, where she stated that the state has a serious problem and that the government must take immediate action.
This week, pro-gun rights groups protested against the governor's executive order by displaying weapons openly. Their actions challenged the governor's authority, and a federal judge eventually granted a restraining order to block the order.
The executive order that the governor issued has faced backlash from both political parties. Some of the prominent Democrats and Republican members of the legislature threatened to impeach the governor. Ral Torrez, the state's attorney general, also did not defend the ban on firearms. Despite this, Lujan Grisham still believes that gun violence must be addressed.
Due to New Mexico being an open carry state, the governor's executive order will affect people in Bernalillo County, which is the state's most populous county.
Lujan Grisham is facing a tough battle as she tries to establish a legal structure that would allow authorities to restrict gun violence. She is committed to finding a solution that would safeguard the people of New Mexico. It is too early to tell if her actions can help reduce gun violence.
