Democrat calls on possably using Va. Nat. Guard to enforce gun laws
Dec 15, 2019 17:00:26 #
Published December 14, 2019 at 11:24am
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The Virginia National Guard is hedging on comments made by a Virginia Democrat that it could be used to enforce future gun control laws in the state.
Democratic Rep. Donald McEachin said using the Guard to enforce anti-gun laws was an option for Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam, according to the Washington Examiner.
“And ultimately, I’m not the governor, but the governor may have to nationalize the National Guard to enforce the law,” he said. “That’s his call, because I don’t know how serious these counties are and how severe the violations of law will be. But that’s obviously an option he has.”
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That resulted in a Twitter statement from Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia.
“We have received multiple questions regarding proposed legislation for the 2020 General Assembly session and the authority of the Governor of Virginia to employ the Virginia National Guard in a law enforcement role. We understand and respect the passion people feel for the U.S. Constitution and 2nd Amendment rights,” the statement said.
TRENDING: National Guard Issues Statement After Dem Rep Suggests Using Them To Enforce Gun Control
“We will not speculate about the possible use of the Virginia National Guard. I encourage everyone to be patient while we allow our elected officials to work through the legislative process. We have not received any requests from the Governor, or anyone on his staff, about serving in a law enforcement role related to any proposed legislation.”
The statement also warned National Guard members to exercise care in talking on this hot-button issue.
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“I expect our Soldiers, Airmen and members of the Virginia Defense Force to be professional and respectful in their discussions about this subject. As private citizens, our personnel are free to express their opinions to their elected officials, but they should not engage in any political activity while in a uniformed status,” the statement said.
We understand and respect the passion people feel for the U.S. Constitution and 2nd Amendment rights. We will not speculate about the possible use of the Virginia National Guard.
— Va. National Guard (@VaNationalGuard) December 13, 2019
I encourage everyone to be patient while we allow our elected officials to work through the legislative process. We have not received any requests from the Governor, or anyone on his staff, about serving in a law enforcement role related to any proposed legislation.
— Va. National Guard (@VaNationalGuard) December 13, 2019
As private citizens, our personnel are free to express their opinions to their elected officials, but they should not engage in any political activity while in a uniformed status.
— Va. National Guard (@VaNationalGuard) December 13, 2019
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One commentator suggested that although in theory the Guard could be used, she doubted it would be used in this context.
RELATED: Virginia Dem Says May Have To Call Out National Guard To Enforce Gun Bans
Would using the Guard to confiscate guns provoke violence?
Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
“When you look at the historical reality of when governors or presidents have mobilized the National Guard, it has been to enforce the rights of citizens when they were being infringed upon,” Amy Swearer, a legal policy analyst, told the Washington Examiner.
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“But to suggest the National Guard would be brought in to otherwise peaceful jurisdictions to enforce re.strictions on constitutional rights, that would be completely unprecedented in terms of how the National Guard has been used when it’s mobilized to restore law and order.”
She also doubted National Guard members would be sent door to door.
“I don’t necessarily foresee it coming to that situation where essentially you see this political back and forth of state and local officials using their respective authority to get back at each other,” she said.
McEachin said that local jurisdictions that do not dance to the state tune could also face a cutoff in state aid.
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“They certainly risk funding, because if the sheriff’s department is not going to enforce the law, they’re going to lose money. The counties’ attorneys offices are not going to have the money to prosecute because their prosecutions are going to go down,” he said.
Northam has said he is opposed to “retaliation,” but added, “If we have constitutional laws on the books and law enforcement officers are not enforcing those laws on the books, then there are going to be consequences, but I’ll cross that bridge if and when we get to it,” according to WTKR.
Northam did not detail what those consequences might be.
Northam also said counties making themselves Second Amendment sanctuaries should not fool themselves that thrive actions will make a difference to the state.
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“They can continue to have their meetings. They can continue to make sanctuary counties, but we’re going to do what Virginians have asked us to do,” he said.
Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring also spoke negatively about the sanctuary resolutions.
“The resolutions that are being passed are being ginned up by the gun lobby to try to scare people. What we’re talking about here are laws that will make our communities and our streets safer. We’re talking about universal background checks, finally, maybe, Virginia will pass universal background checks to make sure that people who are dangerous, who are criminals and who aren’t permitted to buy guns, won’t be able to buy guns,” Herring said, according to WTKR. “So, when Virginia passes these gun safety laws that they will be followed, they will be enforced.”
But to date, according to the website gunrightswatch.com, more than 80 Virginia counties have approved some form of legislation to protect gun rights.
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The Chesapeake City Council added itself to the list Wednesday, although it termed its resolution making it a “constitutional” city, instead of a “sanctuary” one, according to WTKR.
The action came at a meeting attended by gun rights supporters such as Kaitlynn Flint, 15.
“It’s your right to have… to protect and defend yourself, and I feel it’s very scary if somebody tries to take that away from you,” Kaitlynn said.
Gun rights advocates were passionate in their comments.
Advertisement - story continues below
“I don’t care what color, creed, background, who you call God or who you decide to sleep with at night — gun rights are your rights, and you should have any gun you want to be able to defend yourself and it shouldn’t be limited by the government to decide,” said Brendan Mooney with the Virginia Citizens Defense League.
“We really need them to uphold the Constitution. We understand these sanctuary cities, they don’t have a lot of teeth, but it’s part of a bigger movement, and that’s really what we’re trying to get forward – is that bigger movement.”
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The Virginia National Guard is hedging on comments made by a Virginia Democrat that it could be used to enforce future gun control laws in the state.
Democratic Rep. Donald McEachin said using the Guard to enforce anti-gun laws was an option for Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam, according to the Washington Examiner.
“And ultimately, I’m not the governor, but the governor may have to nationalize the National Guard to enforce the law,” he said. “That’s his call, because I don’t know how serious these counties are and how severe the violations of law will be. But that’s obviously an option he has.”
Advertisement - story continues below
That resulted in a Twitter statement from Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia.
“We have received multiple questions regarding proposed legislation for the 2020 General Assembly session and the authority of the Governor of Virginia to employ the Virginia National Guard in a law enforcement role. We understand and respect the passion people feel for the U.S. Constitution and 2nd Amendment rights,” the statement said.
TRENDING: National Guard Issues Statement After Dem Rep Suggests Using Them To Enforce Gun Control
“We will not speculate about the possible use of the Virginia National Guard. I encourage everyone to be patient while we allow our elected officials to work through the legislative process. We have not received any requests from the Governor, or anyone on his staff, about serving in a law enforcement role related to any proposed legislation.”
The statement also warned National Guard members to exercise care in talking on this hot-button issue.
Advertisement - story continues below
“I expect our Soldiers, Airmen and members of the Virginia Defense Force to be professional and respectful in their discussions about this subject. As private citizens, our personnel are free to express their opinions to their elected officials, but they should not engage in any political activity while in a uniformed status,” the statement said.
We understand and respect the passion people feel for the U.S. Constitution and 2nd Amendment rights. We will not speculate about the possible use of the Virginia National Guard.
— Va. National Guard (@VaNationalGuard) December 13, 2019
I encourage everyone to be patient while we allow our elected officials to work through the legislative process. We have not received any requests from the Governor, or anyone on his staff, about serving in a law enforcement role related to any proposed legislation.
— Va. National Guard (@VaNationalGuard) December 13, 2019
As private citizens, our personnel are free to express their opinions to their elected officials, but they should not engage in any political activity while in a uniformed status.
— Va. National Guard (@VaNationalGuard) December 13, 2019
Advertisement - story continues below
One commentator suggested that although in theory the Guard could be used, she doubted it would be used in this context.
RELATED: Virginia Dem Says May Have To Call Out National Guard To Enforce Gun Bans
Would using the Guard to confiscate guns provoke violence?
Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
“When you look at the historical reality of when governors or presidents have mobilized the National Guard, it has been to enforce the rights of citizens when they were being infringed upon,” Amy Swearer, a legal policy analyst, told the Washington Examiner.
Advertisement - story continues below
“But to suggest the National Guard would be brought in to otherwise peaceful jurisdictions to enforce re.strictions on constitutional rights, that would be completely unprecedented in terms of how the National Guard has been used when it’s mobilized to restore law and order.”
She also doubted National Guard members would be sent door to door.
“I don’t necessarily foresee it coming to that situation where essentially you see this political back and forth of state and local officials using their respective authority to get back at each other,” she said.
McEachin said that local jurisdictions that do not dance to the state tune could also face a cutoff in state aid.
Advertisement - story continues below
“They certainly risk funding, because if the sheriff’s department is not going to enforce the law, they’re going to lose money. The counties’ attorneys offices are not going to have the money to prosecute because their prosecutions are going to go down,” he said.
Northam has said he is opposed to “retaliation,” but added, “If we have constitutional laws on the books and law enforcement officers are not enforcing those laws on the books, then there are going to be consequences, but I’ll cross that bridge if and when we get to it,” according to WTKR.
Northam did not detail what those consequences might be.
Northam also said counties making themselves Second Amendment sanctuaries should not fool themselves that thrive actions will make a difference to the state.
Advertisement - story continues below
“They can continue to have their meetings. They can continue to make sanctuary counties, but we’re going to do what Virginians have asked us to do,” he said.
Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring also spoke negatively about the sanctuary resolutions.
“The resolutions that are being passed are being ginned up by the gun lobby to try to scare people. What we’re talking about here are laws that will make our communities and our streets safer. We’re talking about universal background checks, finally, maybe, Virginia will pass universal background checks to make sure that people who are dangerous, who are criminals and who aren’t permitted to buy guns, won’t be able to buy guns,” Herring said, according to WTKR. “So, when Virginia passes these gun safety laws that they will be followed, they will be enforced.”
But to date, according to the website gunrightswatch.com, more than 80 Virginia counties have approved some form of legislation to protect gun rights.
Advertisement - story continues below
The Chesapeake City Council added itself to the list Wednesday, although it termed its resolution making it a “constitutional” city, instead of a “sanctuary” one, according to WTKR.
The action came at a meeting attended by gun rights supporters such as Kaitlynn Flint, 15.
“It’s your right to have… to protect and defend yourself, and I feel it’s very scary if somebody tries to take that away from you,” Kaitlynn said.
Gun rights advocates were passionate in their comments.
Advertisement - story continues below
“I don’t care what color, creed, background, who you call God or who you decide to sleep with at night — gun rights are your rights, and you should have any gun you want to be able to defend yourself and it shouldn’t be limited by the government to decide,” said Brendan Mooney with the Virginia Citizens Defense League.
“We really need them to uphold the Constitution. We understand these sanctuary cities, they don’t have a lot of teeth, but it’s part of a bigger movement, and that’s really what we’re trying to get forward – is that bigger movement.”
Dec 15, 2019 17:10:14 #
EL
Loc: Massachusetts
teabag09 wrote:
Published December 14, 2019 at 11:24am br br ... (show quote)
The Constitution is in danger due to idiot Democrats!
Each official who goes against their oath of office should be immediately removed.
Dec 15, 2019 17:15:43 #
teabag09 wrote:
Published December 14, 2019 at 11:24am br br ... (show quote)
The NG is an auxilliary group. Yes, it's government-controlled, will they follow those orders? Some will some will not. It's pretty easy to take off the jacket. The Constitution comes before the Governor. The movement that the sanctuary counties are talking about, or how to advance it is easy. Get in touch with states that have more than one militia. Only one, the government probably controls it. Start groups on Facebook as many others have done. Have a radio, that seems simple but can every important.
Dec 15, 2019 19:00:51 #
Coos Bay Tom
Loc: coos bay oregon
teabag09 wrote:
Published December 14, 2019 at 11:24am br br ... (show quote)
The Virginians won't go for this so it won't happen. Democrats who come up with dumb ass ideas like this need to be voted out of office I don't care which party you are in.
Dec 15, 2019 20:41:57 #
Coos Bay Tom wrote:
The Virginians won't go for this so it won't happen. Democrats who come up with dumb ass ideas like this need to be voted out of office I don't care which party you are in.
Tom, I get confused by you on occasion. You're a lefty at times and your a righty at other times. You sound like a guy I could go fishing or hunting or just having a beer with. Merry Christmas and God bless you and your family. Mike
Dec 15, 2019 21:30:19 #
Coos Bay Tom
Loc: coos bay oregon
teabag09 wrote:
Tom, I get confused by you on occasion. You're a lefty at times and your a righty at other times. You sound like a guy I could go fishing or hunting or just having a beer with. Merry Christmas and God bless you and your family. Mike
Hell I'm just me. I try to be reasonable and down to earth. I wish our politicians would get with the program and go for realistic goals. We would have a lot less controversy if they did and maybe just maybe we would all benefit. Merry Christmas Mike and God Bless you too.
Dec 15, 2019 21:57:19 #
Coos Bay Tom wrote:
Hell I'm just me. I try to be reasonable and down to earth. I wish our politicians would get with the program and go for realistic goals. We would have a lot less controversy if they did and maybe just maybe we would all benefit. Merry Christmas Mike and God Bless you too.
Thanks Man, I'm a little right of Hannibal of some stuff and left of Lenin on other. I totally agree that our politicians on both sides are in it for themselves and don't serve the people anymore. I'm fed up with their crap. Mike
Dec 15, 2019 23:41:12 #
Coos Bay Tom
Loc: coos bay oregon
teabag09 wrote:
Thanks Man, I'm a little right of Hannibal of some stuff and left of Lenin on other. I totally agree that our politicians on both sides are in it for themselves and don't serve the people anymore. I'm fed up with their crap. Mike
Dec 16, 2019 19:59:45 #
bggamers
Loc: georgia
Coos Bay Tom wrote:
Hell I'm just me. I try to be reasonable and down to earth. I wish our politicians would get with the program and go for realistic goals. We would have a lot less controversy if they did and maybe just maybe we would all benefit. Merry Christmas Mike and God Bless you too.
For politicans being realistic is a fools dream after watching and listening to them for last 3 yrs their main objective is to make this country as helpless as all the europian countries. They are being over run and are just sitting there.Some of the outer countries Swedan and others are starting to wake up putting up walls tell their migrant to straighten up or get out. UK is on a downward spiral if they dont stick up for them selves I'm afraid they will disapear
Dec 16, 2019 21:06:38 #
teabag09 wrote:
Published December 14, 2019 at 11:24am br br ... (show quote)
It's not going to happen and you know it's not going to happen either so why even bring it up these Democratic lawmakers don't even have the guts to do what they say they're going to do cuz trust me the day the people start seeing the National Guard of Virginia come around and try to confiscate your guns that you have a right to have under the Second Amendment
Dec 16, 2019 21:28:59 #
bggamers
Loc: georgia
77Reaganite wrote:
It's not going to happen and you know it's not going to happen either so why even bring it up these Democratic lawmakers don't even have the guts to do what they say they're going to do cuz trust me the day the people start seeing the National Guard of Virginia come around and try to confiscate your guns that you have a right to have under the Second Amendment
Better to have a sharp eye then relax and end up on the wrong end of the stick. There is serious issues simmering below the surface all over the country . Everyone will be watching what happens in Virginia if shf all hell will break loose and most of this country will be ready to fight
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