Anthony Segura, Executive Director of the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association (NMSSA), expressed concerns regarding Senate Bill 279 (SB 279), stating it would ban most semi-automatic firearms in New Mexico and infringe on Second Amendment rights. This statement was made to the New Mexico Sun on February 5.
"The bill could restrict access to widely owned firearms, negatively impacting law-abiding citizens who use them for lawful purposes. SB 279 would make it illegal to own and would remove almost all semi-auto firearms, including rifles and handguns, and infringe on Second Amendment rights of legal New Mexicans," said Segura. "This bans does not address the root causes of crime and violence but instead penalize responsible gun owners. Alternative solutions, such as mental health initiatives and enforcement of existing laws, would be more effective."
According to the New Mexico Legislature, SB 279, referred to as the "Gas-Operated Semiauto Firearms Exclusion Act," was introduced in the state Senate on February 4, 2025. The bill was presented by Senators Micaelita Debbie O'Malley, Heather Berghmans, Andrea Romero, Charlotte Little, and Patricia Roybal Caballero. It is currently under review by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data for 2019 indicates that rifles, including those classified as semiautomatic, were involved in 364 out of 13,927 total homicides, representing approximately 2.6% of all cases. In contrast, knives or cutting instruments were used in 1,476 homicides, accounting for over 10% of the total.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Segura has been serving as the Executive Director for NMSSA since January 2021. He also owns and leads Sure Resource, a business specializing in New Mexico Concealed Carry training since 2009. Based in Albuquerque, Segura possesses over 16 years of experience in firearms training and advocacy.
Founded in 1935, NMSSA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to defending Second Amendment rights for residents of New Mexico. As the official state affiliate of the National Rifle Association (NRA), NMSSA offers educational programs, competitive shooting events, and advocacy efforts aimed at promoting responsible firearm ownership and marksmanship. According to its website, the association unites members from diverse backgrounds with a shared objective of preserving the right to keep and bear arms in New Mexico.
