New Mexico's Governor Gets Bad News From the State's AG Regarding Her Illegal Gun Ban

New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez has decided not to back Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s controversial gun control order, which is currently facing several legal challenges.

Torrez explained his decision in a letter to the governor, stating that he believes the emergency order, temporarily prohibiting people from carrying guns in public spaces in Bernalillo County, goes against both state and federal constitutions. As a result, he won’t defend the governor in these legal battles.

“I want to let you know that my office won’t represent your administration in the cases challenging” Lujan Grisham’s order, Torrez wrote.

“While I understand my responsibility as New Mexico’s top legal officer to defend state officials when they are sued in their official capacity, I feel a stronger duty to protect and uphold the constitutional rights of all citizens,” he continued. “To put it simply, I don’t think the Emergency Order will significantly improve public safety, and more importantly, I don’t believe it meets constitutional standards.”

BREAKING: New Mexico Attorney General tells the Governor that he won’t defend her carry ban, saying “I do not believe it passes constitutional muster.” pic.twitter.com/ORat27wAvn

— Firearms Policy Coalition (@gunpolicy) September 12, 2023

The controversy began when Governor Lujan Grisham issued an executive order, temporarily banning both open and concealed carrying of firearms in Albuquerque and its surrounding county for 30 days.

She made this decision in response to a series of tragic shootings, including the deaths of 5-year-old Galilea Samaniego and 11-year-old Froylan Villegas.

Torrez expressed his concerns, saying, “The heartbreaking deaths of 5-year-old Galilea Samaniego in a recent drive-by shooting and 11-year-old Froylan Villegas in a road rage incident should serve as a wake-up call for everyone.

Should NM's Governor be impeached and removed from office?

I encourage you to have a more thoughtful discussion with members of the New Mexico Legislature instead of taking unilateral action that restricts the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens, with little impact on the underlying causes of gun violence in our community.”

Torrez, who is a Democrat, is not the only one refusing to support the order.

Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, also a Democrat, said on social media that the city’s police would not be responsible for enforcing the governor’s order.

Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen also stated that he wouldn’t enforce the order, arguing that it’s unconstitutional.

Governor Lujan Grisham responded to Sheriff Allen, stating that her administration had given him the necessary tools for enforcement and urging him to use them.

She emphasized her commitment to the safety of New Mexico’s residents, saying, “I won’t back down from doing what’s right, and I’ll always prioritize the safety of the people of New Mexico.”

During an interview on CNN, Lujan Grisham defended her position, saying, “It’s not the role of the police to determine what’s constitutional or not. They haven’t supported a single gun violence prevention effort in the State of New Mexico, including measures to protect against domestic violence and universal background checks.”

It’s worth noting that Governor Lujan Grisham has faced criticism from prominent national progressives, including California Rep. Ted Lieu and gun control activist David Hogg, who argue that her order violates the U.S. Constitution.

This ongoing legal and ideological battle highlights the deep divisions over gun control measures and constitutional rights in the United States.

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