Defiant New Mexico gun owners showed their displeasure in word and deed Sunday afternoon when they staged a vocal rally. At issue was Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s executive order Friday banning open or concealed carry in the state’s largest city for 30 days.
Over one hundred gathered in Old Town Albuquerque to demonstrate, and many openly displayed their firearms in violation of the controversial edict.
One woman carried a sign reading, “Gun rights are women’s rights.” Several American flags were waved along with Gadsden flags and some saying “Come and take it.”
One noteworthy sign declared, “Our founding fathers warned us about you.”
Albuquerque officials are on record declaring they will not enforce the order, which many feel directly violated the Second Amendment. Protesters could have faced civil penalties and fines of up to $5,000.
One anti-gun protester was present, and gun owners respectfully allowed the masked demonstrator to address the gathering. They then debated his points.
This was the scene today as gun owners open carried in protest against New Mexico's Governor banning the carry of firearms in public. The left often talks about "solidarity", and very rarely does the chance arise for us to show that solidarity alongside people who we may disagree… pic.twitter.com/aEbs1BUOfo
— ABetterWay2A (@ABetterWay2A) September 10, 2023
At least two lawsuits have been filed against the governor’s mandate and more are likely. On Saturday, the National Association of Gun Rights and Gun Owners of America took the issue to federal court in search of injunctive relief.
The executive order was issued under the guise of a public health emergency. It applies to the City of Albuquerque and the surrounding Bernalillo County for 30 days.
Grisham indicated that she is open to extending the directive at the end of the initial period. Grisham claimed in her announcement that “no constitutional right, in my view, including my oath, is intended to be absolute.”
A local gun owner identified himself only as Derek J. to KOB 4 News. He said the citizens did not turn out to cause issues, but to express their support for their constitutional rights. He said his jaw “dropped” to hear that the Second Amendment was suspended in his city.
The concerned citizen added, “A lot of people feel the same way.”
An area political leader showed up at the rally to express her support. Republican state Rep. Stephani Lord was in Old Town and noted that she and Rep. John Block (R) filed for impeachment of the controversial governor.
Lord said Grisham “has done an illegal act and violated her oath.”
