Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen, who oversees Albuquerque, Denounces New Mexico Governor’s 30-day Ban on Permit Holders Carrying Guns

The Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen has forcefully pointed out that Governor Grisham’s ban on people carrying guns will only impact law-abiding people and will not improve safety.

“The temporary ban challenges the foundations of our Constitution, but most importantly, it is unconstitutional. My oath was to protect the Constitution, and that is what I will do,” Allen said. . . .

“Last week, as I’m sitting here as the sitting sheriff, I get a phone call that my brother also was a victim of gun violence last week that many of you do not know,” Allen said. “He and my nephew were sitting in their car when they were shot at, and their vehicle was impacted by numerous rounds. How can I, as a sheriff, tell him to put his firearms away and not be able to protect himself?” . . .

Kaelan Deese, “New Mexico sheriff calls for special session after governor’s ‘unconstitutional’ gun ban,” Washington Examiner, September 11, 2023.

“It’s unconstitutional, so there’s no way we can enforce that order,” Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen said during a news conference. “This ban does nothing to curb gun violence.”

SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN, “Outrage intensifies over New Mexico governor’s temporary gun ban as sheriff vows not to enforce it,” Associated Press, September 11, 2023.