Las Cruces gun store owner says state’s temporary gun ban is not impacting sales

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- It has been nearly two weeks since New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham suspended the right to carry guns in and around Albuquerque, citing a spike in violent crimes.

The decision has led to legal challenges, and a restraining order by a federal judge, blocking part of the order.

On Friday the Governor scaled back the ban, limiting it to just playgrounds and parks. But she vowed to restore the provisions that were restricted by the judge.

With all this going on, ABC-7 wanted to know how it's affecting gun sales, which have historically spiked in times of uncertainty.

Steffen Sparks of Sparks Firearms told us, "not too much of an impact. I mean, generally when you get politicians, officials start talking, usually, you know, spurs people into a panic. But goodness, we're just getting off the pandemic, you know, And I think people are we're kind of like on a downslide as far as as far as gun purchases go."

Sparks said he has noticed that just about everyone is talking about the ban.

"There has been a lot more conversation lately, not just the people around me, though, but even from other states. I mean, I have family that lives out of state, have friends that live out of state, and they've called and asked and weigh in on it, because I guess it did make national news," he said.

Sparks told ABC-7 that while he recognizes that gun violence is a problem in this country, he doesn't feel it's fair to lump in responsible gun owners with criminals, who are out in the streets commiting crimes when they should be in jail.

"I feel like we get lumped in that same category, though. Just because someone did X, everyone is going to get punished for it. And that's kind of what I don't like."

He added, "I'm always told to have personal responsibility for myself, so I kind of wish we would have that separation, you know, and probably punish criminals that do these offenses."

The temporary restraining order will remain in place until a hearing next month.