A federal judge in Albuquerque has blocked an emergency public health order issued by New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D). On Sept. 8, Grisham declared a 30-day suspension of the right to carry firearms in most public places in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. She argued that the firearm restriction would give law enforcement agencies a cooling-off period and additional resources to tackle the state's high violent crime rate, which had recently claimed the lives of several children.
Biden-appointed District Court Judge David Urlas' decision came Wednesday evening after a bipartisan backlash, including a statement from New Mexico Attorney General Raรบl Torrez refusing to defend Grishman's order.
The Washington Times has more on the setback for the Democratic governor:
Judge Urias agreed with plaintiffs in several lawsuits who said the order violates constitutional rights and he granted a temporary restraining order to block the suspension of gun rights. The injunction will remain in place until an Oct. 3 court hearing.
โI don't blame her for wanting to take action in the face of terrible acts,โ the judge said of Ms. ย Lujan Grisham's emergency order. But he said he was faced with a much more narrow question regarding the rights afforded to citizens.
In announcing the order Friday, Ms.ย Lujan Grishamย said it was a necessary response to several recent shootings, including one that took the life of an 11-year-old boy as he left a minor league baseball game inย Albuquerque.
The 30-day emergency order would have applied to open and concealed carry of firearms in most public places, ranging from city sidewalks to urban recreational parks. The state has a long history of allowing open carry of handguns in most public settings.
Within hours of the governor's executive order, four federal lawsuits had been filed against it.
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1 Comment
It was not a “necessary” action, it was the typical Lib “knee-jerk” reaction, that makes absolutely no sense, as the criminal element doesn’t obey laws.