New Mexicoʼs Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has put an end to a public health order that limited gun rights in Albuquerqueʼs public areas. The order which expired roughly a year ago wasnʼt renewed‚ marking the end of a controversial period in the states gun policy
The original order issued in fall 2023 caused a stir among residents. It led to public protests legal challenges and political divisions – even within the Democratic party. Republicans called for the governors impeachment‚ highlighting the orders divisive nature
Lujan Grisham stated‚ “I have decided to allow the public health order to expire but our fight to protect New Mexico communities from the dangers posed by guns and illegal drugs will continue“. She pointed out several steps taken to reduce gun violence:
- Gun buy-back programs
- Increased arrests
- Distribution of free gun-storage locks
- Larger inmate population at an Albuquerque county detention facility
The initial order would have suspended gun-carry rights in most public places in Albuquerque‚ but it was scaled back to cover only public parks and playgrounds (with an exception for a municipal shooting range park). The governor cited a series of shootings that resulted in childrenʼs deaths as the reason for the order
Gun rights advocates filed numerous lawsuits and court motions to block the restrictions. They argued that the order would deprive Albuquerque-area residents of their 2nd Amendment rights to carry in public for self-defense
This standoff was one of many following a 2022 U.S Supreme Court decision that expanded gun rights. Since then leaders in politically liberal-leaning states have been exploring new avenues for restrictions – a trend that continues to shape the ongoing debate over gun rights and public safety in America