Sheriff John Allen of Bernalillo County, New Mexico, just said his office will not enforce Governor Lujan Grisham’s (D) latest public health order to “combat gun violence.”
“In reference to concealed carry and open carry, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s office will not enforce this segment of the order,” said Allen at a press conference Monday morning. “While I understand the urgency, the temporary ban challenges the foundations of our constitution but most importantly it is unconstitutional.”
“My oath is to protect the constitution, and that is what I’ll do.”
WATCH:
KOAT 7 local news adds:
Allen described the order as unconstitutional and said he learned about the order just minutes before the announcement last week. The public health order was issued after an 11-year-old boy was killed in Albuquerque.
“The governor made it clear in her press conference,” Allen said. “She knew we as law enforcement did not agree with the order, and as a result, this was solely her decision.”
He went on to say that this order will not assist him in making the county safer for the public or his policing staff.
“This order will not do anything to curb gun violence other than punish law-abiding citizens from their constitutional right of self-defense,” Allen said.
“I was elected to represent and safeguard all constituents and to ensure the balance between our rights and public safety is maintained. That means we must critically evaluate any proposed solution to the deeply rooted issue of gun violence, ensuring we both protect our community and uphold the values that define us as a nation,” he added.
Allen’s announcement comes as dozens of outraged citizens protested in Old Town in Albuquerque while openly carry their firearms in defiance of Gov. Lujan Graham’s unconstitutional decree.
Americans in New Mexico DEFIED the tyrannical governor’s anti 2A orders today in peaceful protest
— Drew Hernandez (@DrewHLive) September 11, 2023
Gvn owners in New Mexico protest the Tyrannical Governor pic.twitter.com/3HFKiGpZiK
— Being Libertarian (@beinlibertarian) September 11, 2023
Gov. Lujan Graham’s decision to impose such an unconstitutional order was reminiscent of how politicians imposed unconstitutional public health orders during the COVID plandemic.
“Lujan Grisham said she was compelled to issue her order following recent shootings including the death of an 11-year-old boy outside a minor league baseball stadium last week, the gunfire death of a 5-year-old girl who was asleep in a motor home and an August shooting death in Taos County of a 13-year-old girl,” ABC News reported.
“The firearms suspension was issued as an emergency public health order, reminiscent of the much protested public health orders she continually renewed throughout the coronavirus pandemic.”
