(Sent to all Montana sheriffs by email)
(See responses from sheriffs below)
January 19, 2013
Dear Sheriff,
Many elected sheriffs across the U.S. are reacting to the President Obama's executive orders and proposed laws in Congress to invoke various new gun control schemes by declaring publicly that they and their officers will not enforce any new executive orders or federal laws that violate the restraints imposed on government by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. In addition to the many individual sheriffs taking this position, the Utah Sheriffs Association has recently declared such a position.
Find a list of sheriffs and letters issued by individual sheriffs at:
http://fromthetrenchesworldreport.com/list-of-sheriffs-standing-up-against-obamas-gun-control/31948/
Utah Sheriffs Association report is at:
We ask you to stand with us and these many other sheriffs, first by making such a declaration yourself to the people of your county, and second by releasing that declaration into the public domain (send us a copy of your letter to your county residents).
Some sheriffs go even further and declare that they will not permit federal officers to enforce any new federal gun control against citizens in their counties. If you wish to go that extra mile, more power to you.
However, we ask only for your declaration that you and your officers won't be enforcing any new federal gun control in your county. We believe the law-abiding, registered voters of your county will appreciate that clearly-stated position.
In case you are not familiar with it, the central holding by the U.S. Supreme Court in its Printz v. US decision was that Congress may not compel sheriffs to enforce federal laws.
Very Sincerely yours,
Sheriff Tom Rummel, Sanders County
Trummel@Co.Sanders.Mt.Us; 406-826-3206 hm /406-827-3584 cell
Sheriff Darby Harrington, Wibaux County
Zsheriff@Midrivers.Com; 406-796-2415 ofc
Jay Printz, former sheriff, Ravalli County, member NRA Board of Directors
jprintz1@msn.com; 406-381-0485 cell
Sen. Terry Murphy, Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee
murphter5@yahoo.com; 406-285-6937 cell
Rep. Krayton Kerns, Chairman, House Judiciary Committee
drkerns@rbbmt.org; 406-697-6449 cell
Gary Marbut, President, Montana Shooting Sports Association
mssa@mtssa.org; 406-549-1252 ofc
=================
A growing list of sheriffs nationwide who will not enforce new federal gun control is here:
http://cspoa.org/sheriffs-gun-rights/
=================
Text of letter to President Obama from the Utah Sheriffs' Association
=================
SANDERS COUNTY SHERIFF TOM RUMMEL
January 22, 2013
Ladies and Gentlemen of Sanders County
By now you are all well aware of the grievous criminal event that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary. I am sure you are also aware of the proposed gun control rules and regulations the President is considering in the wake of this tragedy.
The intent of this letter is to clear up any doubts you, the law abiding citizens, may have on my stance on gun control and the Constitution. I have taken an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of United States and the state of Montana. Myself and my deputies take that responsibility very seriously. Our right to self defense is first and foremost God given. This right is then protected in both the United States and Montana State Constitutions.
My duty as Sheriff is to make sure you, the citizens, are protected from the criminal, whether that criminal come with a weapon, or a pen.
There is also a broader spectrum that needs to be considered. Once this line is crossed and the integrity of the Constitution has been compromised, where does this stop. Are our freedoms of speech, religion, press and assembly next to fall by the mere stroke of a pen.
I do believe history is replete with the consequences unarmed citizens have suffered at the hands of a despot. Heaven forbid that we as citizens of the greatest nation the world has ever known would suffer the same.
I, therefore want you to know that myself and my deputies will not enforce any federal regulations enacted by congress, or executive orders of the President circumventing the constitutional rights of the citizens of Sanders County. So help me God.
In your service,
Tom Rummel
Sanders County Sheriff
--------------------------
Gary's note: I have learned that the Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association will have a Board of Directors meeting on February 7, 2013, and it will be discussed in that meeting whether MSPOA should take an organizational position on this subject.
---------------------
Ravalli County Sheriff Chris Hoffman
http://newstalkkgvo.com/ravalli-county-sheriff-says-he-will-not-enforce-a-federal-gun-ban-audio/
Ravalli County Sheriff Chris Hoffman wants it to be clear. He will not enforce a federal gun ban should it be enacted by the government.
After the Sandy Hook school shootings, the effort to control guns and gun violence was renewed in Washington, D.C. President Obama presented over 20 executive orders that would restrict assault rifles and ammunition and provide for enhanced background checks for potential gun buyers.
Sheriff Hoffman says he has received numerous emails and phone calls regarding his stance as a county sheriff on federal intrusion regarding legally owned firearms. He states unequivocally that he will not stand by and watch any Ravalli County resident be deprived of their constitutional rights.
------------------------
MUSSELSHELL COUNTY SHERIFF WOODROW WEITSEIL
January 25, 2013
Montana Shooting Sports Association
Dear Mr. Marbut:
As to your letter sent via e-mail on January 23, 2013. As Sheriff of Musselshell County, I, Woodrow Weitzeil, took an oath to protect the Constitution of the United States of America, the Constitution of the State of Montana, and to uphold all laws. I will tell you that I am a true believer in the Second Amendment in which all law abiding citizens shall have the right to, “Keep and Bear Arms.” I will not enforce, nor will my officers enforce, any new gun laws that that I feel, the Federal Government might impose on us that are not constitutional. However if a person has been convicted of a felony crime from another state or the State of Montana that their rights to own fire arms that are not reinstated, I will do what in necessary to convict that person as a felon in possession of a fire arm. There is a growing problem of gun violence in this country; however, I believe there are other solutions to address this issue. I will also protect the citizens of Musselshell County and the citizens of the state of Montana from tyranny.
There are new laws being introduced in the state legislature this year that will also help in protecting the rights of our citizens. Hopefully all individuals will keep track of these new introduced laws and contact their state representatives and senators to voice their opinions.
Yours truly
Sheriff Woodrow Weitzeil
Musselshell County Sheriff’s Office
Roundup, MT 59072
------------------------
POWELL COUNTY SHERIFF SCOTT HOWARD
(clipped from story) “In
the wake of recent criminal events, politicians are attempting to
exploit the deaths of innocent victims by advocating for laws that
would prevent honest, law abiding Americans from possessing certain
firearms and ammunition magazines,” he wrote. “We are Americans.
We must not allow, nor shall we tolerate, the actions of criminals,
no matter how heinous the crimes, to prompt politicians to enact laws
that will infringe upon the liberties of responsible citizens who
have broken new laws.”
-------------------------
LAKE COUNTY SHERIFF JAY DOYLE
http://www.kpax.com/news/lake-co-sheriff-won-t-enforce-new-federal-gun-rules/
(clipped from story) “I do not support, nor will I enforce the seizure of firearms from law abiding Lake County citizens if such a law is enacted by the Federal Government.”
----------------------------
CASCADE COUNTY SHERIFF BOB EDWARDS
(clipped from his Facebook page) “ … as your Sheriff, I have taken an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and Montana and I take that very seriously. This means I will not support any unconstitutional laws and I do not think any Sheriff would.” and, “There is more to violent crime than just guns and in my opinion, new gun laws will not change the fact we have violent crime.”
-----------------------
WIBAUX COUNTY SHERIFF DARBY “SHANE” HARRINGTON
January 28, 2013
To the Citizens of Wibaux County,
In light of current events, a number of people have recently asked me exactly where I stand as Sheriff on the issue of gun control in Wibaux County. The content of the inquiries is usually very similar. Would I support or enforce any new measures currently proposed by our “leaders” in Washington, or elsewhere, that would infringe upon our 2nd amendment rights? The questions vary, my answer does not. I promised, by way of an oath, to support and defend the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, of these United States. I in no way believe that there is now a need to re-interpret the 2nd amendment, written in plain English, and force law-abiding citizens to give up certain firearms or parts for these firearms. Sheriff's across the country are coming forward and firmly taking this same stand. The Utah Sheriff's Assoc. recently sent a letter to President Obama, stating that they will not enforce any new gun laws that would infringe upon the 2nd amendment rights of their citizens. They went on to say that “no federal official will be permitted to descend upon our constituents, and take from them what the Bill Of Rights has given them......and we are prepared to trade our lives for the preservation of its traditional interpretation.”. Good job guys, I couldn't have said it better. Every Sheriff in Utah, except one, signed the letter.
I would like to end this letter by encouraging everyone to make the calls, send emails, or letters, to those who represent you here in Montana. Encourage them to hold to their oath of office, and not some twisted version of our Constitution and Bill of Rights. Remember that our freedoms were paid for in blood, spilled on many fields of battle. I believe they are non-negotiable. We should never compromise them. Lets show Utah they're not alone in making a stand.
Your Pubic Servant,
Darby “Shane” Harrington
Wibaux County Sheriff
-------------------
BROADWATER COUNTY SHERIFF BRENDA LUDWIG
--------------------
Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association Position on Gun Legislation
Adopted February 7, 2013 by the Board of Directors
The Montana Sheriffs & Peace Officers Association (MSPOA) is committed to public safety, and each of our members has taken an oath to uphold and protect the Constitution of the State of Montana and the United States Constitution, including the Second Amendment.
The MSPOA believes in the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution, which guarantees the right of the people to keep and bear arms and that this right shall not be infringed. It is important to note that no legislation affecting this right has been introduced.
As our state and country continue to discuss and debate gun control legislation, the position of our association remains steadfast: the MSPOA will not waver in our defense of the Constitution and will stand to preserve our constituents’ right to possess firearms and the protections insured by the other nine amendments contained in the Bill of Rights.
The MSPOA feels that any legislation that takes away constitutional protections, including gun rights, from law-abiding citizens will not alleviate or eliminate the threat from violent or mentally ill individuals. In fact, it would expose our law-abiding neighbors to violence with fewer resources to counter them with.
America has endured violent assaults of children and adults at the hands of criminals who have used firearms as well as other weapons. The MSPOA does not believe that it is the fault of the weapon, but that of the often mentally disturbed individual who wields it. The MSPOA has long supported the efforts of the mental health community and will continue to do so.
As professional peace officers, elected and sworn to uphold both the State and U.S. Constitutions, we additionally believe in the importance of the division of power and roles of each of the three branches of government, at both the state and federal level. MSPOA feels that now is the time to discuss violence in its totality, not simply as an issue of “gun” violence. Violence is a result of a breakdown on many fronts: family, gangs, drugs, lack of proper mental health treatment, and the proliferation of violence in media, just to name a few. The discussion must include stakeholders from all disciplines who are dedicated to and willing to address the myriad and complex issues related to the safety of our communities and our country.
The MSPOA remains committed to the safety of the citizens of the State of Montana. We will dedicate our efforts toward active participation in the legislative process and the protection of the rights of the people of our state. We welcome and encourage our neighbors’ active participation in this process as well. As Congress and the Montana legislature debate issues surrounding violence, the Second Amendment, and gun rights, the MSPOA will insure that our voices will be heard.
--------------------------
Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association Position on Gun Legislation
Adopted February 7, 2013 by the Board of Directors
The Montana Sheriffs & Peace Officers Association (MSPOA) is committed to public safety, and each of our members has taken an oath to uphold and protect the Constitution of the State of Montana and the United States Constitution, including the Second Amendment.
The MSPOA believes in the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution, which guarantees the right of the people to keep and bear arms and that this right shall not be infringed. It is important to note that no legislation affecting this right has been introduced.
As our state and country continue to discuss and debate gun control legislation, the position of our association remains steadfast: the MSPOA will not waver in our defense of the Constitution and will stand to preserve our constituents’ right to possess firearms and the protections insured by the other nine amendments contained in the Bill of Rights.
The MSPOA feels that any legislation that takes away constitutional protections, including gun rights, from law-abiding citizens will not alleviate or eliminate the threat from violent or mentally ill individuals. In fact, it would expose our law-abiding neighbors to violence with fewer resources to counter them with.
America has endured violent assaults of children and adults at the hands of criminals who have used firearms as well as other weapons. The MSPOA does not believe that it is the fault of the weapon, but that of the often mentally disturbed individual who wields it. The MSPOA has long supported the efforts of the mental health community and will continue to do so.
As professional peace officers, elected and sworn to uphold both the State and U.S. Constitutions, we additionally believe in the importance of the division of power and roles of each of the three branches of government, at both the state and federal level. MSPOA feels that now is the time to discuss violence in its totality, not simply as an issue of “gun” violence. Violence is a result of a breakdown on many fronts: family, gangs, drugs, lack of proper mental health treatment, and the proliferation of violence in media, just to name a few. The discussion must include stakeholders from all disciplines who are dedicated to and willing to address the myriad and complex issues related to the safety of our communities and our country.
The MSPOA remains committed to the safety of the citizens of the State of Montana. We will dedicate our efforts toward active participation in the legislative process and the protection of the rights of the people of our state. We welcome and encourage our neighbors’ active participation in this process as well. As Congress and the Montana legislature debate issues surrounding violence, the Second Amendment, and gun rights, the MSPOA will insure that our voices will be heard.
-----------------------------