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 Raúl 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.
“I don't blame her for wanting to take action in the face of terrible acts,” the judge said of Ms. 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. Lujan Grisham 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 in 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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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.