In Florida, we are fortunate to have permitless carry (although we hope to eventually have constitutional carry). Places like New Mexico have been the envy of many other less free states, when it comes to gun rights. But that all changed last week, when Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico issued a “temporary” ban on both concealed and open carrying of guns in public. You know what libertarians love to say – there’s nothing more permanent than a temporary government program. Her unconstitutional move has raised concerns all over the country, as it violates both Bruen (a legal precedent that extends the right to own a gun for self-defense outside the home) and the Second Amendment – not to mention our natural rights!

Tyrant Lujan Grisham incorrectly argued last week that her oath to uphold the state and national Constitution is not absolute in the face of an “emergency.” Sounds to me like she doesn’t actually know what taking an oath means. She boldly claimed her authority to determine what qualifies as an emergency and subsequently issued an executive order declaring gun violence a public health emergency across the state, banning open and conceal carrying of firearms for the next 30 days, with an executive order and an option to renew. This decision has rightfully been met with a great deal of animosity, especially given the fact that gun violence statistics in New Mexico show a decline this year and the state allows open carry for anyone at least 19 old (who can legally possess a firearm).

Banning a constitutional amendment is a tyrannical move. It is highly likely that this is a Biden administration “test case” to gauge public resistance, something we’ve seen often over the past few decades, particularly during the COVID era. Are the gun grabbers finally becoming so frustrated with their inability to advance their agenda, they’d stop at nothing to change it?

The rhetoric surrounding this issue is eerily reminiscent of what we heard during the COVID era, exemplified by known gun grabber Miranda Viscoli, co-president of New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence, who stated, “If it saves one life, then it’s worth doing.” Did she forget that they used that during COVID, and it proved to be woefully false? Viscoli and Lujan Grisham both conveniently ignore the fact that criminals are unlikely to comply with gun laws. The executive order ensures that people will be easier to hurt and attack for those criminals that decide to take advantage. Also? Responsible citizens carrying firearms for self-defense contributes a great deal to the overall safety of society. Gun-free zones, in particular, are less safe because law-abiding individuals are disarmed and especially vulnerable to criminals. Lujan Grisham has made every effort to ensure her constituents are now sitting ducks.

As libertarians, we know that politicians often exploit crises to consolidate power, and Grisham’s attempt to politicize a tragic incident involving a child is unconscionable. It’s evident that individuals like Grisham are inclined towards disarming the public while ensuring their own security through armed guards (Governor Kathy Hochul of New York also comes to mind). This highlights a disparity in their approach, reserving firearms for the political elite. They get to be safe from would-be attackers, but you and I? We don’t matter. 

Fortunately, there has been a substantial backlash against Governor Grisham’s decision. Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen has deemed the order unconstitutional and has refused to enforce it. Multiple protests have also arisen, with people open-carrying firearms to oppose the ban.

So, what’s the next step? Legal actions are underway, but they alone will not suffice. Why? Because if there are no swift and significant repercussions, this type of tyranny will spread to other states. Lujan Grisham must face consequences for attempting to disarm law-abiding citizens who seek to protect themselves and their families. I’m not sure impeachment will send a strong enough message. Frankly speaking, she deserves to be locked in a cage for putting New Mexico’s people at risk. 

Thankfully, Lujan Grisham is up for reelection in November.