A federal judge, David Herrera Urias, dealt Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham another blow on Tuesday. He issued a temporary restraining order that blocked the governor’s revised public health order, which prohibited firearms in parks, playgrounds, and other public places where children play in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. This decision has put a halt to the governor’s plan for the time being.
Judge Urias is currently reviewing a request for an injunction on the revised order while also extending the temporary restraining order. A decision on this matter is expected to be made by October 11.
There have been at least five lawsuits filed in the U.S. District Court, with plaintiffs arguing that the governor’s initial order prohibiting the carrying of open or concealed firearms in public spaces in New Mexico’s most populous city and county violates the Second Amendment. The lawsuits mainly aim to obtain court orders that would prevent the state from enforcing the gun ban.
After Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued the public health order, the National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR) immediately filed a lawsuit against it. Dudley Brown, who serves as the president of the Colorado-based organization, highlighted the extraordinary nature of New Mexico’s situation. He went on to assert that the ban on firearms was the most severe and extreme restriction on gun rights ever seen in modern America.
As Judge Urias delves into the legalities of the firearms ban, Governor Lujan Grisham is facing mounting political turmoil. Representatives Lord and Block have started calling for her impeachment, citing apprehensions about her management of public health orders and possible breaches of constitutional rights.
The ongoing legal battle over gun regulations has taken another turn with the federal judge’s recent decision to extend the temporary restraining order. The outcome of the case, which is anticipated by October 11, holds great significance for Governor Lujan Grisham’s public health measures, as well as for the overall discussion on Second Amendment rights in the state.
With the legal proceedings taking place, there is a growing sense of political pressure on the governor, as more and more people are calling for her impeachment. State Representatives Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park) and John Block (R-Alamogordo) are leading the charge for impeachment, citing the governor’s unconstitutional order and her controversial statement that no law or oath is “absolute.” The situation continues to unfold as the governor faces mounting criticism from both sides of the aisle.
