New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has recently announced that open and concealed carry permits issued by the state will be suspended in Albuquerque, NM. This is in light of recent mass shooting incidents throughout the state, including at a Walmart in El Paso, TX, as well as the Gilroy Garlic Festival in California.
The Governor said that, “My first priority is to keep New Mexicans safe, and this suspension of open and concealed carry permits in Albuquerque is an immediate step we can take to help protect our communities.”
The suspension affects both New Mexico residents with open and concealed carry permits, as well as out-of-state visitors. It applies to those who possess handguns or semi-automatic rifles.
In addition, law enforcement officers will also no longer issue permits for open and concealed carry in the city. This will remain in place until further notice.
The Governor also stated that, “I am risking the ire of those who approach gun ownership differently than I, many of whom are responsible gun owners who just want to keep themselves and their families safe. But we cannot afford any more acts of senseless violence in our state.”
This move by the Governor reflects a nationwide trend of increased gun control efforts being taken by both states and the federal government.
Some New Mexicans have expressed their support for the suspension, believing that it will help reduce gun-related crimes in the city. However, others have criticized the move, claiming that it is a violation of their Second Amendment rights.
Only time will tell if this suspension will effectively reduce gun violence in Albuquerque, NM, or if it will simply create unnecessary hardship for law-abiding gun owners.
