The Land of Enchantment finds itself embroiled in a contentious debate following New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's (D – New Mexico) emergency order, suspending the right to carry firearms in most public places around Albuquerque. The move, framed as a 30-day public health order, has sparked a cascade of reactions including federal lawsuits, cries for impeachment, and vocal opposition from a diverse range of stakeholders, including those here in Cibola County.
Announced last Friday, the order was met with almost immediate backlash. Prominent groups, including gun owners, civil rights advocates, and state Republican lawmakers, voiced their vehement disagreement. Opposition has not been limited to traditional critics; some members of Grisham's own Democratic party have also expressed reservations.
Currently, the order only effects Bernalillo County, to Cibola’s east.
In a move that underscores the depth of the controversy, multiple law enforcement figures have publicly declared their resistance to enforcing the order. The sheriff of the county encompassing Albuquerque, joined by the county's top prosecutor, and the city's police chief, all indicated their refusal to implement the directive.
Further afield, Cibola County Sheriff Larry Diaz (D – Cibola) has weighed in, announcing that should the order reach his jurisdiction, he would also decline to enforce it. “Gun violence is a concern throughout the nation,” Diaz said, “Yes, we need to protect our kids, but at the same time, our right to bear arms must be protect.”
These declarations from law enforcement not only challenge the order's practical implementation but also raise questions about broader implications for governance and rule of law in the state. Public gatherings and protests have further illustrated the depth of feeling on the issue. Demonstrations have taken place across Albuquerque, with citizens voicing their concerns, fears, and frustrations. According to Diaz, his office has received a number of phone calls from community members looking for information about the order.
The Governor's office, while standing by the initial decision, now faces the challenge of navigating the state through this intricate and multifaceted dispute.