Republican presidential contender Chris Christie sharply criticized New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) for her decision to suspend firearm carry rights in Albuquerque, referencing a declared public health crisis.
Christie, previously the governor of New Jersey, argued that Grisham’s actions deserve censure due to their infringement on gun rights.
“In no way is this going to stand,” Christie commented during a Fox News interview on Tuesday. “The constitutional breach is evident. I foresee its revocation.”
Grisham’s declaration has drawn criticism across party lines, with many contending it infringes upon the Second Amendment. The rule prohibits carrying firearms in regions of the state where violent crime rates exceed a specified limit – a benchmark currently met only by Albuquerque.
Local law enforcement bodies, including the Albuquerque Police Department and the county sheriff, a Democrat, have declared they won’t enforce this directive.
Christie perceives this as a calculated political move intended to divert attention from other contentious topics in New Mexico, notably immigration.
“It’s merely a PR strategy from a governor under fire in her state, well aware of the unpopularity of her border stances,” Christie remarked. “She’s aware of the general disapproval towards rising crime rates in New Mexico and nationwide. She’s playing to the audience, but it won’t resonate.”
Other Republican presidential hopefuls, such as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, have also expressed their disapproval. DeSantis states it represents “an overreach infringing on Second Amendment rights through executive action.”
Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy weighed in, suggesting that Grisham should prioritize border security over what he termed “virtue signaling.” He commented on X, previously known as Twitter: “For genuine reduction of violent crime in New Mexico, Gov. Lujan Grisham should fortify the state’s southern border and abstain from empty gestures.”
Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu (Calif.), who supports gun control measures, voiced his opposition.
“I am in favor of gun safety regulations, but this directive from New Mexico’s governor oversteps constitutional bounds,” Lieu stated. “No single state has the authority to override the federal Constitution.”
He emphasized, “The U.S. Constitution doesn’t provide a state public health emergency clause.”
