Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham Backing "Red Flag" Legislation

Three years ago, I posted a blog about my experience with California's version of a red flag law.

New Mexico's legislative session is about to begin and already the Democrats who are in control of it are planning to introduce a "new" "red flag" bill.

KRQE reported:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A new proposed law backed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham would give law enforcement the right to confiscate guns from peoples’ homes who are accused of posing a threat. 

As with any piece of gun legislation, you can expect heavy resistance. 

While the bill’s sponsors argue this would minimize gun violence, some members of local law enforcement said it is an encroachment on peoples’ constitutional rights. 

At a news conference this morning, the governor announced her support for legislation pushed by three Democrats, authorizing extreme-risk protection orders, also known as a red flag law. 

New Mexico gun rights activists and law enforcement have been preparing for this for months. Cibola County Sheriff Tony Mace voiced his opposition against the measure on a national podcast in October.

“Our biggest concern is you are denying people due process,” Sheriff Mace said. “You are denying someone’s constitutional right to bear arms without even committing a crime."

Besides the lack of due process, "red flag" laws are abused by ex-spouses and ex-girlfriends. What I went through was a great example of this. I was not alone.

Here's an example:

My Ex-Wife did the same thing...after I caught her having an affair, while I was a Deputy Sheriff. Nobody took any action, I wasn’t arrested or charged or anything, but I still had to clear my name in court. The judge did not grant her a protective order, and it was dismissed. Holy cow; what a nightmare.

And,

I can just see all the guys going through a divorce having their firearms taken away! My Ex made up so many false allegations against me.

*** 

This is the stupidest law I have ever heard of. All you have to do is make someone upset or have a beef with someone and they can call and have your guns taken away for no reason.

This can be easily addressed. A provision in the law could be added that if someone makes false accusations in using a "red flag" law in revenge, the accused would be fully reimbursed for any legal costs and costs incurred in getting their guns back from the accuser. This would also make people think twice about making a phony and vindictive "red flag" accusation against someone.

People in New Mexico are mobilizing to fight this legislation.

To read more, go here.