State's sheriffs defend 2nd Amendment
Posted at: 01/17/2013 5:21 PM
| Updated at: 01/17/2013 6:04 PM
By: Stuart Dyson, KOB Eyewitness News 4
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Some of New Mexico's top law enforcement officers paid a visit to the State Capitol Thursday, with a message for the governor and state lawmakers.
30 of the state's 33 county sheriff's want to remind everybody that they are under oath to support the U.S. Constitution, and that includes the Second Amendment - the right to bear arms.
The sheriffs are clearly agitated by President Obama's call for a ban on assault-style weapons and ammo clips bigger than 10 rounds.
"We're not lawmakers, we're sheriffs," said Ken Christesen, San Juan County sheriff and chairman of the New Mexico Sheriffs Association. "That's what we do, is enforce the law and defend the Constitution. We want to make sure that your rights as a citizen are protected."
The sheriffs do support the President's call for improved background checks for gun buyers , not just at gun stores but at gun shows and in private sales. But it's the proposed gun ban that sticks in their craw.
I do agree with some points the President has brought forward," said Santa Fe County Sheriff Robert Garcia. "But until a law is passed banning those guns, I'm sure we'll have to deal with that. I don't see that happening anytime soon."
"I'm watching what's going on very closely," said Torrance County Sheriff Heath White. " I want to reassure my citizens that I have their best interests in mind and I will do my job to the fullest extent."
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