In a recent CNN interview, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham discussed her controversial executive order temporarily suspending gun rights in the state’s largest county.
The interview, conducted by CNN’s Poppy Harlow, prominently featured Harlow’s pushback, where she argued that the governor’s actions may violate the U.S. Constitution, the New Mexico Constitution, and the recent Supreme Court decision in the Bruen case.
Despite the governor’s emphasis on addressing gun violence and public safety, Harlow challenged the constitutionality and potential consequences of the executive order.
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Additionally, Governor Grisham said law enforcement doesn’t get to decide the constitutionality of her actions.
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Key Takeaways:
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Executive Order: Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued an executive order temporarily suspending gun rights in New Mexico’s largest county due to high levels of gun-related injuries and child fatalities in the state.
CNN Host’s Pushback: During the interview, CNN’s Poppy Harlow repeatedly challenged the governor’s actions, asserting that they might infringe upon the U.S. Constitution, the New Mexico Constitution, and the recent Supreme Court ruling in the Bruen case.
Public Safety Concerns: Governor Grisham justified her executive order by emphasizing the urgent need to enhance public safety and reduce gun violence, citing alarming statistics about gun-related injuries and child fatalities in New Mexico.
Opposition: Law enforcement officials, including the sheriff, argue that the order is unconstitutional and unenforceable. They express concerns about potential legal battles and believe their focus should be on combating crime rather than enforcing the order.
Constitutionality Debate: The interview featured a prominent debate on the constitutionality of the governor’s actions, with Poppy Harlow questioning whether the executive order respects citizens’ constitutional rights.
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Governor’s Claim Regarding Law Enforcement: Governor Grisham asserted that law enforcement doesn’t have the authority to decide the constitutionality of her actions. She argued that they should focus on reducing gun violence and protecting the community, rather than challenging her executive order.
Statement vs. Enforcement: Critics question whether the governor’s order is more about making a political statement than effective enforcement. They highlight her previous stance on gun violence and question the practicality of a temporary suspension.
Broader Efforts: The executive order also includes measures related to public places, schools, and testing for fentanyl in wastewater. Governor Grisham believes these actions are part of a broader strategy to address the issue of violence.
Comparative Hypothetical: The interview raised a hypothetical scenario in which a Republican governor unilaterally outlaws abortion during a health emergency. Governor Grisham distinguished her actions as an attempt to protect rights and public safety, while restricting some rights would be a different scenario.
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