Sheriff: Gun Owners “First Line of Defense” Against Terrorism
OutdoorHub Reporters 12.11.15
A Florida sheriff drew both criticism and support earlier this month after a public announcement in which he said that private gun owners are the first line of defense in case of terrorism or mass shootings. Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey posted a video to Facebook last week, speaking about the threat of terrorism and what gun owners could do for the safety of their families and others.
“The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun,” Ivey said, repeating a phrase that many others have said before. “If you’re a person who is legally licensed to carry a firearm, now is the time more than ever to realize that you and you alone may very well be the first line of defense for you, your family, and others around you in a terrorist or active shooter-based scenario.”
You can watch the video below:
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!! IT’S TIME TO SAY WHAT NEEDS TO BE SAID TO PROTECT OUR CITIZENS!!
Posted by Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Florida (Official) on Sunday, December 6, 2015
The video message came after the November Paris massacre, in which a group of attackers believed to be connected to the group known as Islamic State killed 130 people in a series of coordinated attacks, and after a married couple shot 14 people to death in San Bernardino, California. Ivey condemned American politicians for playing to political correctness and instead argued that gun owners are the only ones that can protect themselves in that situation before rescuers arrive.
“It is a known fact that the best law enforcement agencies in the country has responsive times of minutes,” Ivey said, adding that it only takes seconds for a terrorist to take lives.
The sheriff said that gun owners have—and should continue to have—the ability to stop or disrupt these attacks, possibly saving lives until the rescuers arrive at the scene.
“I’m in no way suggesting that we as citizens take on a vigilante role,” he emphasized. “What I am saying is that we need to be mentally and physically prepared to respond to an attack, so we can effectively defend and protect ourselves in an emergency.”
Ivey’s statement has earned him praise in gun community, but others have criticized the sheriff for promoting vigilantism—although he specifically cautioned against it. Some also fear that asking gun owners to confront terrorists would only lead to more violent results.
Despite the controversial stance, some other sheriffs applauded Ivey for speaking out.
“I was disappointed I didn’t think of that or I would have made the same video,” said Sheriff Brad Rogers of Elkhart County, Indiana.
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office offers tactical self-defense classes as well.
