A red flag gun seizure bill opposed by the vast majority of the state’s sheriffs and rank and file police officers was narrowly approved by the New Mexico State Senate on Friday on a 22-20 vote. The Albuquerque Journal reports that the controversial bill is expected to pass the House as well, and could get to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s desk before the legislative session ends in less than two weeks.
This year’s red flag gun bill, Senate Bill 5, has divided New Mexico’s law enforcement ranks. Thirty of the state’s 33 county sheriffs oppose the measure, while State Police Chief Tim Johnson and top Albuquerque Police Department officials support it.
While “top” officials with the Albuquerque Police Department may support the bill, the rank and file most certainly do not.