New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) has issued a stern response to Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen’s recent press conference, emphasizing her position on her executive order banning any form of firearm carry and dismissing the sheriff’s critique on its constitutionality.
Sheriff Allen, in a press conference covered by Breitbart News, made it unequivocally clear that he and his deputies would not enforce Governor Grisham’s ban on concealed and open carry of firearms, branding it as “unconstitutional.”
In a resolute tone, Allen stated, “I hold my standards high, and I do not, nor ever will, hedge on what is right. I take my oath seriously.” He proceeded to address the ban, stating, “The temporary ban challenges the foundations of our constitution, but most importantly, it is unconstitutional.”
Governor Grisham, in response to Sheriff Allen’s remarks, asserted, “I don’t need a lecture on constitutionality from Sheriff Allen; what I need is action,” as reported by KOAT.
She continued, “What we need is for leaders to stand up for the victims of violent crime. We need law enforcement, district attorneys, public officials, school leaders, and state agencies to use every single tool at their disposal to stop this violence. Period.”
Highlighting the gun control measures enacted during her tenure, Grisham urged Sheriff Allen, saying, “We’ve given you the tools, Sheriff Allen—now stop being squeamish about using them. I will not back down from doing what’s right, and I will always put the safety of the people of New Mexico first.”
RELATED: Lawless NM Gov. Grisham Slams Law Enforcement, Gets Massive Pushback From CNN
During a video interview with KOB4, a reporter asked Grisham, “Do you think that criminals are going to hear this message and not carry a gun in Albuquerque, on the streets, for 30 days?” Grisham’s response was concise, “Ah….no.”
In the meantime, the Governor Grisham is the being sued by the National Association for Gun Rights over her gun ban. In a letter to the governor, New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez explains why he refuses to defend her in the lawsuit.
“I do not believe that the Emergency Order will have any meaningful impact on public safety, but more importantly, I do not believe it passes constitutional muster,” Torrez said.
This clash between Governor Grisham and Sheriff Allen highlights the real conflict with government overreach via executive order and the oath of office law enforcement takes to defend the constitution. It remains to be seen how this standoff will evolve in the coming days, with both sides firmly entrenched in their positions.
RELATED: Lawmakers Officially Calling for Impeachment of New Mexico Governor Over Suspension of Gun Rights
