BY: ABQ RAW staff
POSTED: 09/11/2023 @ 12:45PM
© 2023 ABQ RAW All Rights Reserved – Please Request Permission Before Disseminating on Other Social Media and Web Platforms.
Albuquerque –
A contentious standoff between ABQ based law enforcement agencies and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has emerged after she issued a 30-day-ban on open and concealed carry of guns in Bernalillo County New Mexico.
Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen held a press conference on September 11th, 2023 to criticize the order. Sheriff Allen started off by reading a prepared statement on why he can NOT support the Governors order.
“What many forget is I have enough violence here in Bernalillo County. I do not want to have political violence towards my deputies or here in Bernalillo County. My job is to keep the peace and to make sure that the citizens of Bernalillo County are safe,” said Sheriff Allen.
(story continues)
See the full press conference HERE:
Governor Grisham’s executive order, which went into effect late last week, prohibits the open and concealed carry of firearms in public places, including schools, parks, government buildings, and various other designated zones. The order was framed as a public health measure aimed at curbing gun violence and ensuring public safety.
Sheriff John Allen, however, has vocally opposed the governor’s order, arguing that it infringes upon the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. In a press conference held Monday, Sheriff Allen stated,
“The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office will not enforce this segment of the order. While I understand the urgency, the temporary ban challenges the foundations of our Constitution. But most importantly, it is unconstitutional. My oath was to protect the Constitution, and that is what I will do. The governor made it clear in her press conference she knew we as law enforcement did not agree with the order and as a result, this was solely her decision,” said Sheriff Allen.
The sheriff’s decision has sparked a fierce debate within Bernalillo County and across the state of New Mexico. Supporters of Sheriff Allen argue that he is upholding the rights of the people, while critics argue that he is jeopardizing public safety by not enforcing a crucial measure to reduce gun violence.Legal experts worldwide have weighed in on the matter, highlighting the complexities surrounding the conflict between state and local law enforcement. Meanwhile, residents of Bernalillo County find themselves caught in the middle of this dispute. Some support Sheriff Allen’s position, viewing it as a principled stand for individual rights, while others worry that it could lead to an increase in gun-related incidents in public spaces.
There is expected to be a legal fight in the courts possibly all the way to the Supreme Court and some lawmakers have also filed paper work to have Governor Lujan Grisham impeached.