New Mexico Governor Claims Police Have No Right To Tell Her What Is Constitutional Or Not

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham insinuated that she has sole power to declare what is or is not constitutional when pressed on her temporary gun ban. Law enforcement in the state’s largest county, as well as the Democratic governor of New Mexico, have refused to defend Lujan Grisham’s order than bans concealed or open carry of firearms in Albuquerque for 30 days.

CNN host Poppy Harlow asked Lujan Grisham to defend her order during Tuesday’s episode of CNN This Morning, suggesting that her decision was “unconstitutional.”

“You just heard from the sheriff. He joins the attorney general and others who say they won’t enforce [a unilateral gun ban]. It’s unconstitutional. Why do it if it can’t be enforced?” Harlow asked. “Well, that’s their opinion. They have no bold actions, they don’t have any plans for reducing gun violence,” the governor replied.

"You just heard from the sheriff. He joins the attorney general and others who say they won't enforce [a unilateral gun ban]. It's unconstitutional. Why do it if it can't be enforced?"

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham: "Well that's their opinion" pic.twitter.com/YW7dxL61NU

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) September 12, 2023

Harlow continued to press Lujan Grisham on the constitutionality of her gun ban throughout the interview. “The Constitution of New Mexico and the Constitution of the United States, and you’re an attorney, do you think you’re on solid constitutional ground here?” Harlow followed up.

“Well, we’re gonna see,” the governor answered after a brief pause. “I mean look, I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t think I have the right. I have the right,” she continued.

The CNN host quickly interjected to ask where the right is found, at which point Lujan Grisham tried to frame her order as a “pause” on the carrying of firearms as opposed to a “ban.”

"We also have, Governor, the Constitution … and you're an attorney. Do you think you're on solid constitutional ground?"

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham: "I have the right"

"But where is the right?"

Lujan Grisham: "We'll see what all of these court actions do" pic.twitter.com/Rb3MeBZcVH

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) September 12, 2023

Lujan Grisham’s “pause” on gun ownership has been widely condemned against the political spectrum, with far-left U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu (R-CA) and anti-gun activist David Hogg both criticizing the governor.

Gun owners have also defied the order and have instead opted to hold large open carry rallies in Albuquerque and the surrounding county.