Some Oregon Sheriffs are refusing to enforce new gun control laws that ban high-capacity magazines and require permitting systems in order to purchase firearms.
One sheriff said he would “fight to the death” to defend his county’s Constitutional rights.
Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan released a statement on Ballot Measure 114:
“Unfortunately, we are seeing the passage of Ballot Measure 114, which creates a required permitting system in order to purchase firearms AND bans gun magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds. This is a terrible law for gun owners, crime victims, and public safety.” Sheriff Duncan said.
“I want to send a clear message to Linn County residents that the Linn County Sheriff’s Office is NOT going to be enforcing magazine capacity limits.” the Sheriff said.
Union County Sheriff Cody Brown chimed in and agreed with Sheriff Duncan and said he would fight to the death to defend the 2nd Amendment.
“As Union County Sheriff I agree 100% with Sheriff Duncan! This is an infringement on our constitutional rights and will not be enforced by my office,” Union County Sheriff Cody Bowen said in a post. “This measure will only harm law-abiding gun owners and result in wasted time with additional redundant background checks.” Sheriff Cody Brown said.
“To the people who chime in with me picking and choosing which laws I want to enforce or not enforce! Hear this! When it comes to our constitutional rights I’ll fight to the death to defend them. No matter what crazy law comes out of Salem!” the Sheriff said.
KOMO News reported:
Multiple Oregon sheriffs say they will refuse to enforce gun magazine capacities called for in Measure 114, which appears to be passing by a slim margin.
Malheur County Sheriff Brian Wolfe said in an interview that he also does not intend to enforce magazine capacity limits.
“That is just the way it’s going to be. We have already made that decision,” he said. “The supreme law of the land is a constitution of the United States, and I believe that this measure is totally contrary to the Constitution.”
When asked whether he believes a sheriff has the authority to supersede state law, Wolfe said, “I don’t think this is superseding anything. I don’t believe that I am superseding state law by not enforcing it. Anybody in law enforcement, including the state police, including the governor, has to pick and choose what laws they are going to be able to enforce.”
The Oregon State Sheriff’s Association has come out against the measure saying it would drain resources from state and county law enforcement offices that would be charged with issuing permits to anyone wishing to purchase a firearm.
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