On September 7, 2023, the Governor of New Mexico, Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an emergency order banning firearms in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County for 30 days.Public Health Emergency Order Imposing Temporary Firearm Restrictions, Drug Monitoring and Other Public Safety Measures
Background Lujan Grisham gave the order in response to three mass shootings that occurred in New Mexico in 2023, including the Farmington, New Mexico shooting. On September 13, U. S. District Judge David H. Urias blocked enforcement of the ban until October 3, citing the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Further developments On September 16, Lujan Grisham narrowed the ban to playgrounds and parks and "other public areas provided for children to play in." A third order dropped this last clause, and Urias let the ban on guns in playgrounds and parks stand. On October 16, 2024, Lujan Grisham announced that she would not be extending the order.
Text of the order The section of the first emergency order suspending the right to carry in public read as follows:
Reaction Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina and Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen both said they would not enforce the original order, with the latter stating that he believed it was unconstitutional. Likewise, Attorney General of New Mexico Raúl Torrez said he would not defend the governor's administration against lawsuits challenging the order.
See also Gun laws in New Mexico
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