Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen called for a special legislative session to combat Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s (D) 30-day executive order blocking open and concealed-carry firearms.
“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,” Allen said.
The governor’s firearm ban is in response to gun violence.
“Last week, as I’m sitting here as the sitting sheriff, I get a phone call that my brother also was a victim of gun violence last week that many of you do not know,” Allen said.
“He and my nephew were sitting in their car when they were shot at, and their vehicle was impacted by numerous rounds. How can I, as a sheriff, tell him to put his firearms away and not be able to protect himself?”
Allen explained that a special legislative session is needed “for the state of New Mexico.”
A protest formed in response to the order, with citizens openly carrying their firearms.
A spokesperson for the sheriff’s office said it would not enforce the order and “zero fines” were given during the protest.
Reporting from The Washington Examiner:
Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, who once served as a Democratic Party leader and was appointed by Lujan Grisham, told the Washington Examiner he wouldn't enforce the order. “As an officer of the court, I cannot and will not enforce something that is clearly unconstitutional,” said Bregman, the leading prosecutor in Albuquerque. “This office will continue to focus on criminals of any age that use guns in the commission of a crime.”
