GALLUP, N.M. (KRQE) – The mayor of Gallup has requested Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to issue a state of emergency for the city.

Mayor Jackie McKinney says the request was made as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak within the city, causing deaths, stretched medical facilities and resources to their capacity, and impacted the welfare of the City of Gallup. McKinney says he wants to invoke the emergency powers set out under the Riot Control Act sparingly.

The mayor says the city will collaborate with the governor’s office to provide specific restrictions necessary to address the crisis. He also noted in his letter to the governor that his official capacity as Gallup’s mayor ends Thursday at midnight and Mayor-Elect Louis Bonaguidi will be sworn in as mayor Thursday afternoon.

State Senator George Munoz says he has been asking for State Police and the National Guard to monitor who is coming in and out of McKinley County. The governor says she plans to make that declaration, she’s just waiting on additional information.

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