(SNews) – A New Mexico sheriff has warned the state’s Democrat governor that there’s “no way we can enforce” her “unconstitutional” gun ban.
Democrat New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is facing widespread backlash after she signed an executive order to strip American citizens of their Second Amendment rights.
Grisham signed a “public health order” to attempt to ban concealed and open carry permits in the state’s largest city, Albuquerque, and the surrounding Bernalillo County for at least 30 days.
However, the governor has been met with severe pushback from state law enforcement officials.
During a press conference this week, Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen described Grisham’s 30-day gun ban as “unconstitutional.”
The comments from Allen come despite the sheriff standing beside the governor during her rollout of the policy.
“It’s unconstitutional, so there’s no way we can enforce that order,” the sheriff said in a Monday news conference.
“This ban does nothing to curb gun violence.”
“We must always remember not only are we protecting the Second Amendment, but at the same time, we have a lot of violence within our community.
“Let me be clear, I hold my standards high, and I do not or never will hedge on what is right.”
Grisham issued an emergency order on Friday suspending the right to carry guns in public following recent instances of gun violence.
The governor has acknowledged that she expects the order to face legal challenges.
However, Grisham claims to be acting in response to recent gun-related deaths, such as an 11-year-old boy who was shot and killed outside a minor league baseball stadium earlier this week.
The suspension was classified as an emergency public health order and applies to open and concealed carry in most public places, excluding police and licensed security guards.
The restriction is connected to a threshold for violent crime rates met only by the Albuquerque area.
However, the gun ban only targets law-abiding citizens and the governor has yet to explain how such a move will stop criminals.
Allen claims he pressured the governor not to sign the “public health order,” saying “[Grisham] knew we as law enforcement did not agree with the order, and as a result, this was solely her decision.”
Grisham fired back at Allen following his press conference.
She ordered the law enforcement official to “stop being squeamish” about enforcing the order.
“I don’t need a lecture on constitutionality from Sheriff Allen: what I need is action,” Grisham said in a statement responding to Allen.
“What we need is for leaders to stand up for the victims of violent crime.
“We need law enforcement, district attorneys, public officials, school leaders and state agencies to use every single tool at their disposal to stop this violence. Period.”
“We’ve given you the tools, Sheriff Allen — now stop being squeamish about using them,” she continued.
“I will not back down from doing what’s right and I will always put the safety of the people of New Mexico first.”
Violators could face civil penalties and a fine of up to $5,000, according to the governor’s spokeswoman Caroline Sweeney.
The governor said state police are responsible for enforcing the order, but she acknowledged not all law enforcement officials – including the district attorney for the Albuquerque area – agree with it.
Grisham cited several recent shootings in Albuquerque when issuing the order.
During one recent incident on August 13, 5-year-old Galilea Samaniego was shot and killed as she slept.
Four teens entered a mobile home community in two stolen vehicles and opened fire on the child’s home.
The girl was shot in the head and died from her injuries at a hospital.
Grisham has yet to explain why she believes the violent criminals responsible for such shootings will abide by her “public health order.”
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