Two Republican members of the New Mexico State House of Representatives are calling for the impeachment of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. This comes after Grisham temporarily suspended open and concealed carry in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County for at least 30 days. Grisham’s decision was a response to recent gun-related deaths in the area, including the tragic killing of an 11-year-old boy outside a baseball stadium. The suspension of open and concealed carry was classified as an emergency public health order.
In a statement, Lujan Grisham expressed the need for the measure, stating that when people’s very right to exist is threatened by violence, something is deeply wrong. Republican Representatives Stefani Lord and John Block have called for the governor’s impeachment, describing her actions as an attempt to impose a radical agenda upon an unwilling population. They argue that instead of addressing the core issues of crime, Grisham is restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners.
Lord further criticized Grisham, labeling her a “rogue governor” who violated her oath by implementing the emergency order without regard for the rights of New Mexico citizens. Block, on the other hand, emphasized that there is no exception in the U.S. Constitution for state public health emergencies.
The National Association for Gun Rights and a resident of Albuquerque, Foster Haines, have filed a lawsuit against Grisham and New Mexico Secretary of Health Patrick Allen. They argue that the emergency order is unconstitutional and are seeking a temporary restraining order. The lawsuit claims that Grisham’s order disregards the Constitution and the Supreme Court.
Criticism of the order extends beyond Republican representatives and gun rights advocates. Rep. Ted Lieu, a Democrat from California, remarked that while he supports gun safety laws, Grisham’s order violates the U.S. Constitution. Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen expressed his concerns as well, stating that the temporary ban challenges the foundation of the constitution and poses potential risks for law-abiding citizens’ right to self-defense.
The controversy surrounding Grisham’s temporary ban on open and concealed carry reflects a larger debate over gun control and constitutional rights. While the governor seeks to address rising gun violence, critics argue that her decision infringes upon the rights of responsible gun owners and sidesteps constitutional protections. The legal battle surrounding the emergency order is likely to continue, with both sides passionately defending their positions.