Investigation Launched into New Mexico's Anti-Gun Organization for Potential Firearms Law Violations

New Mexico's Anti-Gun Group Under Investigation for Possible Firearms Law Violations

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In a turn of events, New Mexico's anti-gun organization, New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence (NMPGV), is currently under investigation for potentially violating state gun laws. This inquiry follows their activities in Farmington, NM, where they collected unwanted firearms from residents, aiming to dismantle them as part of their "Guns to Garden" program.

Pictured are unwanted firearms from one household in Farmington, NM. Our gun buyback was cancelled by the City, but local residents asked us to show up anyway. So, we spent today dismantling guns house by house. #GunsToGardens @vivarioarriba pic.twitter.com/YlgwT9qaxV

— NMPGV (@NMPGVnow) December 17, 2023

The group, known for its gun buyback events, encountered a setback when the City of Farmington canceled their scheduled program. Despite this, NMPGV proceeded to collect firearms directly from households, which they later claimed involved dismantling the guns into non-functional pieces. This action has raised questions about the legality of their operation, particularly regarding background checks and proper firearms transfer procedures.

State Representative Stefani Lord highlighted these concerns in response to NMPGV's social media post about the event. She questioned the lack of background checks and the potential possession of stolen firearms, prompting the need for an investigation by authorities, including the New Mexico State Police, FBI, and ATF.

Responding to these allegations, NMPGV maintained that their process of dismantling unwanted firearms did not constitute a transfer and hence did not violate background check laws. However, State Rep. John Block questioned the legality of their actions, considering that dismantling would require taking possession of the guns first.

Gun owners and Second Amendment activists have noted the irony of an anti-gun group potentially breaking the very gun laws they advocate for. This situation further underscores the ongoing debate about firearms regulations and the challenges in enforcing them.

Sheriff Shane Ferrari of San Juan County has initiated an investigation into whether the NMPGV's actions complied with state laws. This includes examining if the collected firearms were destroyed according to ATF guidelines. The sheriff clarified that his investigation is not against the City of Farmington, which had responsibly canceled the event upon recognizing potential issues.

Additionally, Sheriff Ferrari is seeking opinions from the District Attorney and the Attorney General on the legality of NMPGV's actions and the proper disposition of abandoned or unclaimed firearms. This investigation will shed light on whether the group's activities were in line with legal requirements or if they indeed violated state firearms laws.

This development in New Mexico is part of a broader national conversation about gun control, the enforcement of existing laws, and the roles various groups play in shaping firearms policy. As the situation unfolds, many are watching closely to see the outcome of the investigation and its implications for gun legislation and enforcement.