Commentary: The National Rifle Association (NRA) and other pro-Second Amendment organizations filed a lawsuit in New Mexico today challenging anti-gun Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s use of emergency powers and her COVID-19 statewide order to shut down firearm retailers and ranges.  

“Politicians imperil our families by declaring our fundamental right of self defense ‘non-essential’ while they free criminals,” said Jason Ouimet, executive director, National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action. “As always, the NRA and its membership will continue to fight every hypocrite who enjoys armed security while denying American families their essential access to firearms.”

The NRA filed the suit in U.S. Distict Court with the Second Amendment Foundation, the Firearms Policy Coalition, the Mountain States Legal Foundation, and the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association. 

Grisham has exploited this crisis to continue her attack on the rights of law-abiding citizens. Other Democratic colleagues of hers, in states such as Colorado, have deemed gun stores and ranges “essential” and protected residents’ right to purchase and own guns. 

A copy of the lawsuit can be found here.

Individual arms applicants/purchasers and retailers affected by ‘stay-home’ or shutdown orders can report potential civil rights violations to  the NRA-ILA COVID-19 Contact Form.