More sheriffs speak out against permit-less concealed carry bill as Republicans try to override veto

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Listen to law enforcement. That’s the message from several sheriffs to lawmakers this week as North Carolina Republican legislators continue to try to override a veto on Senate Bill 50, a controversial gun bill.

Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead says if it becomes law, deputies and officers across North Carolina will be more at risk.

“Putting guns in the hands of those who are not required to get a permit or not required to go through training, 18 years of age, is a recipe for disaster and tragedy,” he said.

Nash County Sheriff Keith Stone strongly agrees.

“Right now under the concealed carry law, we know who is carrying a gun when we run a driver’s license. The good people. The criminals, we don’t, but we can also pull up on the criminal’s record and suspect that he’s probably carrying one by prior use of a weapon or acts of violence in the past,” Sheriff Stone said.

Both sheriffs say they’re not against people exercising their second amendment rights. They only want to make sure it’s done safely.

“I’ve always advocated for responsible gun ownership, I’m a gun owner, I just want sensible legislation, legislation that has teeth in it,” Sheriff Birkhead said.

“You wouldn’t let a person go drive a car without a driver’s license,” Sheriff Stone added.

Some gun owners in the state support the bill.

“This law is going to reinforce our constitutional right to open carry or concealed carry,” Elias Humiston, a gun owner, said.

But sheriffs Birkhead and Stone say North Carolinians are safer if this doesn’t become law.

“I commend Governor Stein for his veto of this bill, I believe in firearms, I believe in the Constitution, but lets make sure that we’ve got training because it takes one incident to ruin a family,” Sheriff Stone said.

When Governor Stein vetoed the bill, he released a statement agreeing that the bill would endanger law enforcement. He said in part, “We can and should protect the right to bear arms without recklessly endangering law enforcement officers and our people.”