From the Office of the Governor: 

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a statement following the court’s issuance of a temporary restraining order today regarding certain provisions of the public health order on gun violence:

“Today a judge temporarily blocked sections of our public health order but recognized the significant problem of gun violence in this state, particularly involving the deaths of children. 

“I refuse to be resigned to the status quo. As governor, I see the pain of families who lost their loved ones to gun violence every single day, and I will never stop fighting to prevent other families from enduring these tragedies.

“To be clear: gun violence and drug abuse are acute threats to public health and safety in this state. We will stay the course by increasing State Police presence in Bernalillo County, arresting the hundreds of violent offenders with outstanding warrants still on our streets, and directing our healthcare system to immediately expand capacity to accept persons experiencing drug addiction and homelessness.

“Over the past four days, I’ve seen more attention on resolving the crisis of gun violence than I have in the past four years. Now is the time to bring clarity of purpose: New Mexicans must again feel safe walking home from school, driving to the grocery store, or leaving their hometown baseball stadium.

“Who will stand up to protect families and children? I will.

“And I call on leaders across the state, from local law enforcement to the Legislature to mayors and county commissioners: Stand with me to enact solutions that save people’s lives. Throwing up our hands is not an option.”

The ruling has temporarily paused enforcement of sections 1 and 4 of the public health order until a preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled approximately two weeks from now. All other sections of the order remain in effect.

The administration intends to update the public health order with additional measures to address public safety and health shortly.