10th Circuit Blocks New Mexico 7-Day Gun Purchase Waiting Period

A federal appellate panel ruled that New Mexico's seven-day waiting period for gun purchases, enacted in 2024, likely violates the Second Amendment by imposing an unconstitutional burden on citizens' right to bear arms. The law, which took effect in May 2024 and included exceptions for concealed permit holders and law enforcement, was challenged by two residents and gun rights groups like the NRA, citing concerns over delayed access to firearms for self-defense. Judge Timothy Tymkovich, writing for the majority, emphasized that cooling-off periods lack historical precedent and unjustifiably prevent immediate firearm acquisition, even in urgent situations. The ruling temporarily blocks the waiting period and sends the case back to the lower court for further proceedings. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed deep disappointment, arguing the law was designed to reduce gun violence by preventing impulsive acts and allowing time for background checks. The dissenting opinion viewed the waiting period as a reasonable condition on gun sales, highlighting ongoing legal debates about the balance between gun rights and public safety.