Anthony Segura, Executive Director of the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association, said that the state’s latest crime policy approach is a political distraction and fails to offer meaningful solutions. This statement was made in a press release on April 9.
"This deployment isn't leadership — it's desperation," said Segura. "Not political theatrics meant to distract from years of neglect. Unconstitutional attacks on the rights of gun owners."
The New Mexico Shooting Sports Association (NMSSA) has criticized Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Mayor Tim Keller for deploying the National Guard in Albuquerque, describing it as a failure of leadership. The group argues that both officials are pursuing anti-gun policies while neglecting to address the root causes of violent crime, such as repeat offenders and broken public safety systems. NMSSA suggests that leaders should support local law enforcement, hold criminals accountable, and stop targeting law-abiding gun owners.
Between 60 and 70 National Guard troops are set to be deployed to Albuquerque in mid-May. According to the association, these troops will not make arrests or directly fight crime but will handle tasks like guarding crime scenes, assisting TSA, and distributing food and water. The move is labeled as politically motivated and highlights the city’s deep public safety failures. It raises concerns about stretching military personnel beyond their intended role, potentially covering for years of poor leadership, under-resourced police forces, and ineffective crime policies.
According to the Council of State Governments Justice Center, New Mexico recorded the highest violent crime rate in the Western United States in 2023, with 780 incidents per 100,000 residents. This figure contrasts sharply with the national average and places New Mexico at the forefront of violent crime discussions in the U.S. The report underscores systemic public safety issues and has become a point of contention among state policymakers.
Segura's LinkedIn profile indicates he is a firearms safety expert and advocate based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As the owner and lead instructor at Sure Resource since 2009, he has provided state-certified training for New Mexico Concealed Carry Permits for over 16 years. In addition to his business activities, he has served since 2021 as the part-time Communications Director for NMSSA.
