Amid Groups Calling for Weaker Gun Laws and Death Threats, Senators in the Judiciary Committee Hold First Hearing on Legislation to Ban Assault Weapons Starting at 1:30PM
An Everytown Poll Found that 62% of Respondents Support an Assault Weapons Ban, Including More than Half of Gun Owners
SANTA FE, N.M. — The New Mexico chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, issued statements ahead of a hearing at the Senate’s Judiciary Committee on SB 279. The legislation, known as GOSAFE, bans the sale, transfer, and receipt of gas-operated semi-automatic rifles that work with high-capacity magazines in New Mexico.
“Our message to Senators is clear: do not give in to the pressure from extremists,” said Diana Villareal, a volunteer with the New Mexico chapter of Moms Demand Action. “The other side knows they cannot win against facts, so they’re pushing misinformation and threats in an effort to intimidate lawmakers – this is not how things are done in New Mexico. Today, all eyes are on these Senators to set an example of courage triumphing hate and fear. It’s time to ban assault weapons and protect our communities from senseless gun violence.”
“After surviving a shooting where an assault weapon was used, I know exactly how deadly these firearms are and there’s no reason civilians should have access to them,” said Leighanne Muñoz, a gun violence survivor and Students Demand Action National Organizing Board member from New Mexico. “Our lawmakers have a responsibility to advance this bill out of committee, pass it through both chambers, and get it signed by the Governor. When gun violence is the number one killer of my generation, young people like me can’t afford anything less.”
This past weekend, gun rights activists held a rally calling on the state to weaken its gun laws and reject bills like SB 279. This comes off-the-heels of a New Mexico GOP post that led to threats to the Senate Judiciary Committee chair Sen. Joseph Cervantes over for SB 279.
A January poll from Everytown for Gun Safety found overwhelming support for gun safety and the need for urgent action with 81% of respondents thinking that gun violence prevention should be a priority for lawmakers this legislative session, and 72% of respondents said that the New Mexico Legislature has more work to do to address the issues of gun safety and gun crime.
The polling demonstrates that gun safety is a unifying and urgent issue across the political spectrum and including gun owners and non-gun-owners alike, underscoring that an overwhelming majority of New Mexicans agree on taking these common-sense solutions. To read the full polling memo click here.
The rate of gun deaths has increased 59% from 2014 to 2023 in New Mexico, compared to a 34% increase nationwide. In an average year, 526 people die by guns. With a rate of 25.2 deaths per 100,000 people, New Mexico has the 3rd-highest rate of gun deaths in the US. More information about gun violence in New Mexico is available here.
To speak with a New Mexico Moms Demand Action or Students Demand Action volunteer, about GOSAFE, please reach out to [email protected].