Sen. Joseph Cervantes of New Mexico is calling for decorum amid a storm of threats surrounding a proposed firearm regulation bill.
Key Takeaways
- Sen. Joseph Cervantes asked for civility following threats linked to Senate Bill 279.
- The threats were tied to a social media post from the Republican Party of New Mexico.
- Cervantes is guiding discussions on the non-sponsored bill as Senate Judiciary Committee chair.
- Minority Floor Leader William Sharer condemned violence but stood by the contentious post.
- Cervantes intends to persist with the bill’s hearing despite the threats.
Threats Emerge Amid Firearm Legislation Debate
Sen. Joseph Cervantes of New Mexico has appealed for civility after receiving a death threat linked to Senate Bill 279, a controversial gun control proposal. The threat emerged from a GOP official’s social media post, which Cervantes describes as false. The post shared his home address and accused him of treason over firearm regulations which sparked significant discontent among gun rights supporters.
Cervantes is not a sponsor of SB 279, which targets the regulation of specific firearms, but as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, he is responsible for the bill’s hearing. Despite the intimidation tactics, Cervantes has not filed a police report, aiming to downplay the incident’s notoriety. “I’m a big boy, so I’m used to politics, distortions, lies and mistruths,” Sen. Cervantes expressed on the legislative floor.
Political Responses to the Controversy
While Cervantes requests fellow Senate Republicans to denounce the aggressive rhetoric, GOP Minority Floor Leader William Sharer defended the post but strongly opposed any call to violence. Sharer stated, “I deeply, deeply, deeply do not condone any violence or any threat of violence.” He nevertheless maintained support for the post’s content, suggesting it reflects political apprehensions over the bill’s potential implications for constituents’ gun rights.
“I reject the idea that it was a lie, mostly because the chair of the committee gets to decide what happens in that committee, and certainly we were told that this was getting ready to happen in that committee.” – William Sharer
Sen. Cervantes has voiced his commitment to civil political discourse and reaffirmed his belief in Second Amendment rights. He assured the public that his role in the proceedings is about fair evaluation rather than legislation promotion. Despite the ongoing fallout, Cervantes has ensured the public of his intention to continue with the review of SB 279 to ensure a respectful and comprehensive legislative process.
A Call for Constructive Engagement
The broader controversy reflects the charged political atmosphere surrounding firearms legislation in New Mexico, where tensions can quickly elevate to personal threats when interests clash. Cervantes continues to push for cooperative debates that focus on facts and impacts rather than intimidation or mischaracterization of political figures. His approach underscores the importance of respectful engagement for progress in democratic practices.
“Sen. Joseph Cervantes called for ‘civility’ and asked Senate Republicans to condemn a death threat against him.” – Sen. Joseph Cervantes
Cervantes’ position invites reflection on the values inherent to democratic systems, urging all parties concerned to rise above polarization for meaningful dialogue. His message advocates for rational participation over disruptive tactics, which are crucial during deeply divisive discussions about individual rights and public safety.
Sources
1. Senator calls for ‘civility’ after death threat following New Mexico GOP post
2. Lawmaker receives death threat over gun ban bill
