Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham responded to a decision by the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals that invalidated New Mexico’s seven-day waiting period for gun purchases. The law, which was intended to address gun violence in the state, will no longer be enforced following the court's ruling.
In her statement, Governor Lujan Grisham said: “Today’s decision by the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals is deeply disappointing, plainly wrong and likely to cost lives in New Mexico. New Mexico’s waiting period law was carefully crafted to minimize gun violence while respecting Second Amendment rights. The dissenting opinion in today’s ruling even notes that New Mexico’s law ‘is likely to save approximately thirty-seven lives per year.’”
The governor noted that the decision diverged from recent Tenth Circuit precedent, referencing a case upholding Colorado’s restriction on firearm sales to individuals under 21 years old. That Colorado law requires people aged 18 to wait three years before purchasing a weapon.
She also pointed out that the court mischaracterized who is affected by New Mexico's waiting period: “The ruling also mischaracterizes New Mexico’s gun purchase waiting period, saying it applies to ‘everyone’ when, in fact, it doesn’t apply to those who sell guns to immediate family members, those with a concealed carry permit, and law enforcement officers.”
Lujan Grisham emphasized evidence supporting waiting periods as effective tools for reducing impulsive acts of violence and suicide. “The evidence is clear––waiting periods prevent impulsive acts of violence and suicide, giving people time to step back and reassess their emotions during moments of crisis. I’m disappointed that today’s ruling doesn’t take this into account,” she said.
The governor concluded by stating that her administration is reviewing its legal options regarding the court's decision.
