New Mexico governor supports ban on assault weapons

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham discusses legislative accomplishments on Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Santa Fe, N.M. New Mexico’s Legislature approved a $1.1 billion tax relief package at the close of its annual session as lawmakers tapped a financial windfall from oil production to break through entrenched cycles of poverty. National tensions over voting rights, abortion access and gun safety were on prominent display during a 60-day legislative session. (AP Photo/Morgan Lee)

by: Laila Freeman

Posted: Apr 5, 2023 / 05:41 PM MDT

Updated: Apr 5, 2023 / 09:17 PM MDT

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham dropped some big news during a bill signing in Santa Fe on Wednesday. She said she wants to take aggressive action on assault weapons.

“I have committed to Representative Romero that I have every intention of putting in an assault weapons ban on the call in the 30-day session.”

The governor made that statement after taking a question about a school safety bill awaiting her signature. It comes a week after a school shooting in Nashville left six people, including three children, dead.

The governor called it a wake-up call to action.

“We shouldn’t need a second one. It’s horrifying, mass shootings, and if you aren’t still reeling from the elementary school shooting in Tennessee, I don’t understand,” she said.

Unless the governor calls a special session, lawmakers won’t convene again until next January.