Despite DHS, New Mexico Gun Shops Not "Essential"

Above, the Albuquerque Cabela's firearms department. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Despite the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) statement that gun stores should be considered "essential" and be allowed to remain open, that hasn't made Governor "Malevolent Michelle" Lujan Grisham to allow them to reopen. This situation is causing some confusion in New Mexico.

According to the Santa Fe New Mexican:

Confusion reigns at New Mexico gun stores, where owners say Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s emergency public health order to limit the spread of the new coronavirus has left many wondering whether they’re allowed to stay open or in what capacity. 

Although the public health order instituted last week unambiguously states all businesses not identified as essential were supposed to have closed by 8 a.m. Tuesday — and gun stores were not on the list — some have defied the edict. 

Gun stores in New Mexico are interpreting the governor’s order liberally. 

Some closed a day late or have resorted to online sales, restricting the number of people in the building or selling merchandise from the parking lot, according to Zach Fort, president of the New Mexico Shooting Association, an independent state affiliate of the National Rifle Association.

There have been reports that the New Mexico State Police, allegedly under the governor's orders, have gone to gun shops and ordered them to be closed.

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