Columbus Co. Sheriff writes public letter supporting Second Amendment | News

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Columbus Co. Sheriff writes public letter supporting Second Amendment

Submitted by Gavin Johnson, Reporter

Monday, January 28th, 2013, 11:24am

Topics: News

Columbus County Sheriff Chris Batten released a letter to the public showing his support for the Second Amendment.

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) - Columbus County Sheriff Chris Batten released a letter last week to the public showing his support for the Second Amendment.

Batten says that he decided to write a public letter after several citizens kept asking his opinion about gun control.

In the letter, Batten states that he believes it is outrageous every time someone's life is lost in a gun incident, that national and state leaders use it to attempt to take away gun rights under the second amendment.

He encourages all citizens in his county to take steps to protect themselves.

Batten also mentions how he believes elected leaders should be focusing more on mental health issues.

When asked where he stands when it comes to the 23 Executive Orders on gun control the president recently signed, he said, "I don't think those orders specifically state anything that's in conflict to the law. I think those orders are more less, just a reassurance from the president that he wants to make sure the laws are being followed. That background checks are done, mental health evaluations are followed through. Anyone with mental health issues are not allowed to purchase a weapon."

Batten says that many people are concerned lawmakers might try and do away with the Second Amendment, so he wanted to show citizens in his county he supports the amendment.

So far this month, nearly 100 people have in Columbus County have applied for concealed carry permits. The county typically gets under 40 a month.