Las Cruces Mayor Exercises Right To Bear Arms

Ruidoso Mayor Ray Alborn banned firearms from all village buildings. Protesters claim, this violates their rights.

In Las Cruces, there are no such limitations on firearms. At Las Cruces City Hall, for instance, anyone with a valid concealed handgun license can walk through the front doors without being questioned.

When it comes to security, Miyagishima says, instead of taking away the rights of others, he too is exercising his right to bear arms.

“I don’t want any of our employees, or myself, or any of my colleagues to really be in a situation where they’re helpless,” Miyagishima said.

Miyagishima says he now has a card with him at all times – his concealed handgun license, that allows him to legally carry a gun.

“If this would have been an occasion that should arise to that level that I somehow intervene, well, I would be prepared to do so,” Miyagishima said.

Four months ago, while sitting in council chambers during a public meeting, Miyagishima said, he didn’t feel that way. He says a citizen, who spoke out at the podium, made a direct threat against him.

“Recognizing that I was a target of his caused me some concern, a great deal of concern, thus the reason I took those classes,” Miyagishima said.

Miyagishima grew up in Las cruces and says he is trusting of the community he interacts with on a daily basis.

New Mexico’s State Constitution reads, “No municipality or county shall regulate, in any way, an incident of the right to keep and bear arms.”

“That’s what our country was founded on,” Miyagishima said. “We can’t trample over that.”

Miyagishima said, making the personal decision to carry a weapon was the only protective measure he could take.

“I felt that I needed to have some type of protection, outside of the police department, in case something were to happen if I was out and about,” Miyagishima said.

Police Chief Richard Williams says, at any meeting, the idea that seats could potentially be filled with armed citizens does not mean a threat level is any more eminent, just increases awareness.

“It doesn’t make me more nervous,” Williams said. “Someone wants to carry a firearm, that’s their right and who am I to say that they can’t.”

There are no metal detectors at Las Cruces City Hall, so Williams says he has to assume anyone could be carrying a weapon.

Williams is present at all council meetings and ass, security is enhanced anytime they detect any type of threat or reason for concern.