Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen, among other prominent figures, has come out to say that he will not enforce New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s ban on firearms. The gun ban was set to be in place for 30 days and cover Albuquerque and surrounding areas, Allen’s jurisdiction.
"While I understand the urgency, the temporary ban challenges the foundations of our constitution, but most importantly it is unconstitutional," Allen said in a Facebook video. "My oath is to protect the constitution, and that is what I will do. The governor made it clear in her press conference that she knew we as law enforcement did not agree with the order, and as a result, this was solely her decision."
At the press conference where Allen stated he would not enforce the ban, he also mentioned that he doesn’t want political violence against his deputies. He also said it is “irritating for me to see how this 30-day ban completely overshadowed the robust conversations that we had with the governor.”
Grisham announced the order to put a 30-day ban on the open and concealed carry of firearms on Sept. 8 in counties that meet a threshold of violent crime, which only Albuquerque did, The Hill reported.
Grisham said that she felt compelled to act after three recent shooting deaths of children and two mass shootings in New Mexico in May, ABC News reported. The most recent of the shooting deaths, of 11-year-old Froylan Villegas, was the likely instigation of the ban.
Along with Allen, Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina have all said that they will not enforce the ban, AP News reported.
According to the New Mexico Political Report, as of Sept. 11, four national-level Second Amendment organizations and others have filed lawsuits against Grisham about her order.
According to the office of the governor, the state police of New Mexico will enforce the ban. It is unclear if any possible citations would stand up in court.
Allen, a Democrat along with Grisham, assumed office on Jan. 1 of this year, Ballotpedia reported.