A Call to Arms: Sheriffs Urge Citizens to Carry Guns in ‘the First Line of Defense’ Against Fighting Crime

By Kathryn Blackhurst

Sheriffs across the country are becoming more vocal about the need for U.S. citizens to arm themselves as they prepare for possible terrorist attacks and shootings, according to an article published by the Washington Post on Monday.

Many proponents of the Second Amendment speculate that sheriffs’ increased calls for arming citizens have arisen from the recent terror attacks both at home and abroad, as well as rising fears concerning President Barack Obama’s calls for changes in gun control policies and legislation, according to Fox News.

“That has helped play into it, and there’s no doubt the active shooter scenario has, too. You’re seeing people say, ‘How do you respond?’” said Alan Gottlieb, the founder of the Second Amendment Foundation, according to Fox News. “Historically, sheriffs have been very pro-gun rights. But they’ve stepped out of the box and they’re now publicly making it known that firearms are good for self-defense.”

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey in Florida gained widespread media attention last month when he urged U.S. citizens to arm themselves against terrorist and criminal attacks as a necessary course of action.