New Mexico Attorney General Refuses to Defend Governor's Gun Order

New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez has announced that he will not defend Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's executive order suspending open and concealed carry across Albuquerque and Bernalillo County.

Torrez, a Democrat himself, stated that he believes the order is unconstitutional and will likely violate the Second Amendment.

The governor issued the order in response to recent gun-related deaths, including the tragic killing of an 11-year-old boy outside a minor league baseball stadium.

The suspension of open and concealed carry is being categorized as an emergency public health order.

Torrez wrote a letter to Grisham, expressing his obligation to uphold and defend the constitutional rights of all citizens and stating that he does not believe the order will have a meaningful impact on public safety.

He advised the governor to engage in a more thoughtful and deliberative process with members of the New Mexico Legislature to address the issue of gun violence.

Torrez also criticized the governor for stretching the definition of a 'public health emergency' to encompass a public safety issue.

Grisham's press secretary responded, stating that the governor did not ask Torrez to defend the order in court and that she is looking for proactive partners to tackle the issue of gun violence.

Republican state Representatives Stefani Lord and John Block have called for Grisham's impeachment, describing her actions as an attempt to impose a radical, progressive agenda and restrict the rights of law-abiding gun owners.

The National Association for Gun Rights and a resident of Albuquerque have filed a lawsuit against Grisham and New Mexico Secretary of Health Patrick Allen, arguing that the emergency order is unconstitutional and seeking a temporary restraining order against its enforcement.