Commentary: New Mexico Senate President Pro Tem Mary Kay Papen, Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, Senate Majority Whip Mimi Stewart, and Senate Majority Caucus Chair Pete Campos today issued the following statement after President Trump used force against peaceful protesters in Washington D.C. and called for heavily armed military personnel to stop protests nationwide:
“We stand together as leaders in the New Mexico Senate in support of every person’s right to protest racism and demand justice. Their right to assemble peacefully and mourn the lives lost while seeking changes to a broken system – without fear of retaliation. And without uncalled-for displays of military “dominance.” New Mexicans have, by and large, been exercising their right to protest in a peaceful manner, and we believe our state and local law enforcement officials can and should work with their communities to keep protesters safe while holding any bad actors and outside agitators accountable for unlawful activities. We reject the president’s call for military intervention and instead ask that his attention be focused on healing our nation. Americans are looking to our leaders for real solutions. Solutions that uphold our Constitutional Rights. Solutions that protect both citizens and police while ending violence in our streets. And solutions that begin to restore the broken trust between the brave men and women of law enforcement and the communities they serve. New Mexico can and should lead by example.”