Berkeley County sheriff issues statement on gun control

Berkeley County Sheriff Wayne DeWitt released a statement today describing his position on the issue of gun control.

“Quite simply, I am a firm supporter of the Second Amendment (the right to bear arms). In addition, I took the oath of office to support and comply with the Constitution of the United States of America of which the Second Amendment is attached,” DeWitt said.

Dewitt’s statement follows that of Charleston County Sheriff Al Cannon on the issue. Cannon said Thursday he would ignore any proposed gun-control measures he deems unconstitutional, joining a growing chorus of lawmen across the nation opposed to new firearm restrictions.

Dewitt said in his statement: “Hopefully, Congress will review the proposed legislation and uphold the beliefs of our founding fathers. I will be favorable, as I am sure most Americans would be, to enhance laws to keep guns out of the hands of criminals convicted of felonies and violent crimes as well as those determined to be mentally ill.”

Sheriff’s Office spokesman Dan Moon said today that DeWitt would not discuss his statement further.

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