Several Oregon sheriffs have declared that they will not enforce the state’s new gun control law, which limits magazine capacity. These sheriffs claimed that the measure violated the Second Amendment.
According to Jack Phillips of The Epoch Times, Measure 114 (Reduction of Gun Violence law) was approved by Oregon voters in the November 8, 2022 midterm elections. Magazines that hold more than 10 rounds are forbidden under this gun control bill, which is a classic anti-gun measure found in solid blue states like California, Illinois, and New York.
Several county sheriffs have publicly expressed their objections to the law or specific parts of the statute.
“The most important thing is that this does virtually nothing to fix the problem,” Union County Sheriff Cody Bowen said to Fox News on Nov 15. “Our issue isn’t one of magazine capacity or background checks. There is an issue with awareness of mental illness. It’s a behavioral health issue.”
“Instead of claiming that, you know that firearms are murdering people,” Bowen added, “society in general is a bigger problem.”
“There’s absolutely no way for us to enforce this, and I wouldn’t because it’s an infringement upon our Second Amendment right to keep and carry guns,” the Union County sheriff continued. He also stated that this legislation will not reduce the number of shootings in the state.
Sheriff Brian Wolfe of Malheur County has stated that he will not enforce the recently imposed magazine limit.
“I don’t believe this supersedes anything. I don’t believe that by not enforcing it, I am surpassing state law. Anyone in law enforcement, even state police, and the governor, have to choose and select which laws they will be able to implement,” he told a local media outlet.
Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan stated in a Facebook post on Nov. 9, 2022, that she wishes “to convey a strong message to Linn County residents saying that the Linn County Sheriff’s Dept. won’t be enforcing the magazine capacity restrictions.”
“This measure is badly drafted, and there is still a lot that needs to be worked out in terms of the permitting procedure, who is responsible for the training, and what specifically the training will have to cover,” Duncan said. She suggested that a “urgent lawsuit” be brought against this measure.
Author:Â Steven Sinclaire
