Benton County Sheriff Writes Letter To Residents On Gun Control Bills

(KNSI) – Benton County Sheriff Troy Heck has joined with Sherburne County’s Joel Brott in expressing doubts over proposed gun control legislation being debated at the state capitol.

Heck’s letter was posted on his office’s Facebook page Friday afternoon. He says it is not his role to create laws or decide if they are constitutional. Still, Heck elaborated on why he thinks the bills are misguided. He writes “even if enacted, violent criminals are going to disregard these new laws in the same manner they disregard our current laws.” Heck says stiffer sentences and a renewed focus on personal accountability would have a greater effect.

He specifically references background checks for personal sales and additional requirements to store guns away from children. Heck concludes his letter by saying “the government should act judiciously when considering the curtailing of citizens’ rights.” He adds that limits can only be imposed “after due process has been afforded the citizen.”

Heck says ultimately the legislative process will be swayed by individuals lobbying their representatives and senators on the issues that matter most to them.

The full letter is below.

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