Commentary: Following walking in the March For Our Lives today, gubernatorial candidate Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM) announced her plan to combat gun violence in New Mexico.
"I’m so inspired and impressed by the students across the nation standing up and leading the fight against gun violence. Elected officials at every level are responsible for doing our part as well," said Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham. "That’s why, as I march alongside these young leaders, I’m releasing my Action Plan to Combat New Mexico Gun Violence. The gun lobby and Republican obstruction have halted nearly all legislation at the federal level. And while other states have demonstrated their ability to pass effective reforms, New Mexico’s gun laws remain among the weakest in the nation. We deserve a governor who’s willing to take the steps necessary save lives and keep our communities safe."
Gun violence is a public health crisis in New Mexico – nearly 400 New Mexicans die each year due to firearm injury and New Mexico ranks 47th in the country with one of the worst rates of death caused by suicide, a majority of which involve firearms.
The main points of Lujan Grisham's Plan to Combat New Mexico Gun Violence include:
- Passing a state-wide ban on semiautomatic assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
- Ban anyone convicted of domestic violence and stalking misdemeanors from purchasing a firearm. 85% of female homicide victims in New Mexico are killed as the result of a domestic violence incident, and nearly half are killed by guns. I will work with New Mexico’s legislature to update our laws and prevent domestic abusers from purchasing firearms.
- Direct the New Mexico Department of Health to work with stakeholders to conduct an in-depth study on the most effective measures that can be taken at the state level to further reduce death and injury from gun violence, including suicides. By studying other states’ solutions, the body of academic research, and New Mexico’s particular challenges, this research will help us reduce gun violence, injury, and death in New Mexico.
View the full plan to Combat New Mexico Gun Violence here.