Gun-Rights Advocates Gather in Albuquerque to Protest Governor’s 30-Day Suspension of Open and Concealed Carry of Firearms

Hundreds of gun-rights advocates gathered in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Tuesday to protest Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s recent public health order suspending the conceal and open carry of guns in and around Albuquerque for 30-days. The order was issued in response to two children being killed in separate shootings.

At the rally, some demonstrators defiantly wore holstered handguns on their hips or carried rifles. The rally unfolded shortly before New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced he cannot defend the governor’s public health order on firearms. In a letter to the governor, Torrez stated his opposition to the 30-day ban on the right to carry open or concealed firearms in and around Albuquerque.

The attorney general’s decision has further divided the state’s Democratic Party. Governor Lujan Grisham has defended her order, saying it was necessary to protect public safety. However, some Democrats have argued that the order infringes on the Second Amendment rights of New Mexicans.

The attorney general’s decision has also prompted a number of lawsuits challenging the governor’s order. It is unclear how the legal battle will play out, but it is certain that the issue of gun rights will remain a contentious issue in the state for the foreseeable future.