Posted: Up to date:
ALBUQUERQUE, NM (KRQE) — The sheriff of New Mexico’s largest county stated he gained’t implement the state’s public well being order, whereas bashing the governor’s directives in a brand new YouTube video. Now, the governor’s workplace is responding.
The YouTube video posted Friday exhibits Bernalillo County Sheriff Manny Gonzales stated his division is encouraging individuals to remain protected however has no plans to implement New Mexico’s public well being order.
“Overreaching restrictions will solely harm our group,” stated Sheriff Gonzales. “For that cause, we won’t observe together with any orders that subvert your constitutional rights.”
He goes on to specific that New Mexicans have already been by means of rather a lot in the course of the pandemic together with the closure of a number of companies, and kids not having the ability to go to highschool in particular person.
“In New Mexico we have now skilled among the most restrictive measures which has considerably impacted numerous New Mexicans’ livelihoods, well being and wellbeing,” stated Sheriff Gonzales.
A spokesperson with the BCSO stated deputies gained’t be concentrating on or ticketing individuals instantly. Which incorporates restrictions and measures which can be directed towards individuals and companies, however didn’t give specifics.
“My company’s focus will proceed to be public security, apprehending precise criminals and never harassing on a regular basis residents,” stated Sheriff Gonzales.
In response to the video, a spokesperson with the governor’s workplace despatched KRQE a press release saying partially:
“Over 2,000 New Mexicans have been killed by COVID-19, together with over 460 individuals in Bernalillo County. It’s deeply disappointing, to not point out instantly dangerous, that any public official would take any motion that undermines the well being and security of their group. All New Mexicans ought to agree on the significance of doing something and the whole lot we are able to to avoid wasting lives.”
A spokesperson with BCSO stated they’ve issued at the least one masks quotation in the course of the pandemic.