Concealed carry permits are on the rise in New Mexico.
According to KFOX14, almost 3,000 concealed carry permits were issued in Dona Ana County, New Mexico, and more than 30,000 were issued in 2013. The New Mexico Department of Public Safety says that 343,185 New Mexicans obtained concealed carry permits in 2013, which is 60,000 more people than in 2012.
New Mexico is an open carry state, but there are certain restrictions.
“You can’t open carry into establishments that sell liquor for consumption, can’t open carry into any liquor establishments, or schools or universities or places that have a sign depicting that you can’t carry within their establishment,” said Las Cruces Police Department spokesperson Dan Trujillo.
As KFOX14 reports, those same restrictions to concealed carry permit holders.
Michael Gonzales, a firearms safety instructor at Security Concepts in Las Cruces, teaches a 15-hour course required before shooters can obtain their concealed carry permit. He stresses four key points one must consider before using their gun for self-defense.
“There’s a thing called ability, opportunity, jeopardy and fear for your life,” Gonzales said.
According to KFOX14, New Mexico does not have a “stand your ground” law, nor does it have a “castle doctrine.” New Mexico courts ruled it is illegal to shoot and kill somebody for trespassing on your property.
“In the court’s eyes those things are replaceable. A life is not replaceable,” Gonzales said.
Read more: http://www.kfoxtv.com
