Firearms Owners Against Crime
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
Armed citizens rallied in Albuquerque’s Old Town Sunday, protesting New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s (D) ban on carrying handguns in the city.
Breitbart News reported that Grisham announced the ban on Friday, September 8, 2023, and it took effect that same day. The ban prohibits the open or concealed carry of handguns in Albuquerque and other New Mexico cities.
The prohibition also applies to licensed concealed carry permit holders.
KRQE noted that more than 100 people rallied in protest against the ban on Sunday, meeting in Old Town with “firearms on full display.”
Grisham’s order has been met with criticism from Democrats as well as Republicans.
Gun control activist David Hogg slammed the ban. Breitbart News noted Hogg used a post on X to say, “I support gun safety but there is no such thing as a state public health emergency exception to the U.S. Constitution.”
And Sam Bregman, the Grisham-appointed District Attorney over Albuquerque, made clear he will not enforce the ban.
The Associated Press pointed out Bregman spoke against the ban on Saturday, saying, ‘“As an officer of the court, I cannot and will not enforce something that is clearly unconstitutional.’”
He added, ‘”This office will continue to focus on criminals of any age that use guns in the commission of a crime.'”
The AP also observed that Albuquerque police chief Harold Medina responded to the governor’s order by making clear he will not enforce it.