According to Firearm Chronicles
Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva is making it clear that he holds residents in contempt. Concerned about the surge in new gun owners and his belief that they are unable to safely handle a firearm, the sheriff once again reversed his position on Thursday and says that he’ll be forcing the closure of gun stores in his jurisdiction, despite the fact that the county’s counsel issued an opinion late Tuesday saying that the firearm retailers were essential businesses.
KTLA reports that Villanueva is now ignoring the counsel’s opinion, even though he allowed gun stores to open on Wednesday. Instead of listening to the county counsel, Villanueva is seizing on comments from Gov. Gavin Newsom that sheriffs should decide for themselves whether or not gun stores are essential businesses. As far as the sheriff’s concerned, that’s the green light to declare gun stores in the county can’t sell to civilians, though oddly enough Villanueva says there are some exemptions.
In issuing his closure order Thursday, Villanueva cited the governor’s executive order on statewide closures during the crisis as stipulating gun stores are not essential. However, the order does not explicitly mention those businesses.
Villanuneva said the shops may no longer sell to the general public but may still supply security guard companies. Anyone who already already has purchased a gun and possess a valid safety certificate can pick up their firearms, he said in a statement.
The fact that Sheriff Villanueva is allowing security firm employees to acquire firearms and ammunition, while denying the average citizen the ability to do so, is unconscionable. Villanueva’s position, whether he acknowledges it or not, is that if you can afford to outsource your personal protection to a private company, you’re in good shape. If, however, protecting your family is a DIY affair, you’re out of luck, unless you had the foresight to purchase a firearm and ammunition before things started to go sideways.