19 February 2013
To: The citizens of Brunswick County, North Carolina
The State of North Carolina
The United States of America
The State of North Carolina
The United States of America
Recently
I have received a number of inquiries regarding my position on the
second amendment of the Constitution. As Sheriff of Brunswick County, I
took an oath to support and defend the United States and North Carolina
Constitutions. The citizens of Brunswick County entrusted their office
of Sheriff to me, and I will not act inconsistent with my oath, nor will
I allow anyone or group to infringe upon the rights of the citizens of
Brunswick County afforded by the Constitution.
In
today’s world, our society is plagued by acts of violence and criminals
seeking to exploit those unprepared. I encourage our citizens to take
ownership with regards to their personal safety and the safety of their
families. Those seeking to legally arm themselves for personal
protection should do so after carefully considering all options
available. I support and encourage responsible and legal gun ownership
and stand ready to assist the law abiding citizens of our county in
processing the necessary documentation to purchase a firearm or obtain a
concealed weapons permit. However, to the criminal element seeking to
obtain any type of weapon, let this serve as your notice; attempt to do
so in Brunswick County and you will be held accountable.
As
our state and national leaders search for ways to reduce the ever
increasing acts of violence occurring in our society, I pray they seek
guidance from the Almighty to find lasting solutions without victimizing
our citizens. Recent mass shootings and other acts of violence
demonstrate the critical need for additional mental health treatment as
we move forward. Additionally, we should vigorously seek out and
prosecute criminals, especially those who choose to prey upon our
society by aid of weapons. Violent acts committed by criminals and those
suffering from mental illness should not be used as a platform to limit
or ban the possession or use of weapons by law abiding citizens in our
nation. The demonization of firearms will not solve the current crisis
and if allowed to go unmolested will serve to expose the good people of
our county, state and nation to illegal laws which will make it
difficult if not impossible to protect themselves.
As
Thomas Jefferson once said, “A Bill of Rights is what the people are
entitled to against every government, and what no just government should
refuse, or rest on inference.” As a citizen and as your Sheriff, it is
my belief we can address the violence currently gripping our nation, by
means of careful thought and looking to the root cause of the issues.
Thank you, and may God Bless us all.
Sheriff John W. Ingram V
Brunswick County, North Carolina
Brunswick County, North Carolina
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