New Mexico bans carry of guns for 30 days due to gun violence

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced on Friday a new public health order that outlines immediate actions aimed at quickly reducing gun violence and illegal drug use in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. As part of this initiative, a temporary 30-day prohibition has been enforced on the open and concealed carry of firearms in these areas. The order comes after a series of tragic shootings that claimed the lives of several children and sparked public outrage.

The governor declared gun violence and illegal drugs as public health emergencies and issued a series of directives to curb them. The most controversial one is the suspension of open and concealed carry laws in Bernalillo County, temporarily prohibiting the carrying of guns on public property with certain exceptions. The governor said this measure was necessary to prevent further bloodshed and restore public safety.

The action plan includes a suspension of open and concealed carry laws in Bernalillo County, temporarily prohibiting the carrying of guns on public property with certain exceptions. Exceptions include for licensed security guards and law enforcement officers. Citizens with permits to carry firearms are free to possess their weapons on private property (such as at a gun range or gun store), provided they transport the firearm in a locked box, use a trigger lock, or some other mechanism that renders the gun incapable of being fired.

The order also includes monthly inspections of licensed firearm dealers, wastewater testing for illegal substances at schools, a comprehensive report on gunshot victims at hospitals, a prohibition on firearms on state property, additional state police officers in Albuquerque, and a suspension of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative.

The governor said she expected legal challenges from gun rights groups, but she was ready to defend her actions in court. She also called on the state legislature to pass more permanent gun reform laws that would prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands.

The order went into effect immediately and will last until further notice. The governor said she will monitor the situation and evaluate the impact of the order on the crime rate and public health. She also urged the public to cooperate with the authorities and report any suspicious activity or illegal possession of firearms or drugs.

Key Highlights of the Public Health Order:

Temporary Suspension of Carry Laws: The order includes a suspension of open and concealed carry laws in Bernalillo County. This temporary ban prohibits the carrying of firearms on public property with limited exceptions, such as for licensed security guards and law enforcement officers. Citizens with permits to carry firearms can still possess them on private property but must secure the weapons properly when in transit.
Firearm Dealer Inspections: The Regulation and Licensing Division will conduct monthly inspections of licensed firearm dealers to ensure compliance with sales and storage laws.
Wastewater Testing for Illegal Substances: The Department of Health, in collaboration with the Environment Department, will initiate wastewater testing for illegal substances like fentanyl at schools.
Comprehensive Reporting on Gunshot Victims: The Department of Health will compile and issue a comprehensive report on gunshot victims, including demographic data, healthcare outcomes, firearm details, circumstances leading to the injury, and the impact on New Mexico’s healthcare system.
Firearm Prohibition on State Property: Firearms are prohibited on state property, including state buildings and schools. This extends to other educational venues frequented by children, such as parks.
Increased State Police Presence: The State Police will deploy additional officers in Albuquerque, with funding provided for overtime.
Suspension of Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative: The Children, Youth, and Families Department will immediately suspend the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative and evaluate juvenile probation protocols.