Gun Retailers Successfully Fight Grisham’s Covid-19 Shutdown

Denver, CO — June 15, 2020 — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has ended special restrictions on firearms retailers originally implemented during coronavirus shutdowns. Second Amendment advocates celebrated this important victory in the ongoing battle over gun owners’ rights in the state.
 
Mountain States Legal Foundation (MSLF) filed a lawsuit in the federal district court of New Mexico on April 10, 2020, challenging the closure order for gun retailers and repair shops, on behalf of the National Rifle Association, Second Amendment Foundation, Firearms Policy Coalition, and the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association along with various gun retailers and individuals.
 
MSLF agreed to voluntarily dismiss the case today now that gun retailers, ranges, and repair facilities have been permitted to substantially reopen in the state. 
 
Previously, in response to the coronavirus outbreak, Gov. Grisham issued emergency shutdown orders for all non-essential businesses by March 24, 2020. Her list of essential businesses did not include firearms retailers. Days later, on March 28, the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security issued a memorandum classifying both types of businesses as essential, but the New Mexico order remained unchanged.
 
The closure of firearms retailers, ranges, and repair facilities in the state was a clear violation of the Second Amendment protected rights of New Mexicans. Federal law and New Mexico law almost entirely prohibit the sale of firearms except through authorized sellers at physical retail locations. The closure of physical retail locations unlawfully infringes on citizens’ rights as guaranteed under the Constitution.
 
“Gov. Grisham overstepped her constitutional limits when she attempted to restrict New Mexicans’ right to keep and bear arms,” said Cody Wisniewski, MSLF’s lead attorney on the case. “While we celebrate our victory today, we are prepared to spring back into action should she attempt to reclose firearm retailers and infringe on the natural rights of New Mexicans again.”