Bossier Parish Sheriff Julian C. Whittington
When a group of law enforcement officers held a press conference last week imploring lawmakers not to override Governor John Bel Edwards’ veto of concealed carry, it inspired Bossier Parish Sherriff Julian Whittington to speak in favor of the legislation.
“My duty is to ensure their second amendment rights are protected. It’s not up to me to guarantee that everyone in the parish is a trained marksman, that’s not what this is all about,” said Whittington.
In his veto statement, Edwards says to require proper firearm training as part of getting a permit is a fair balance for a person to conceal carry he says most Louisianans agree.
Whittington said the required training for a concealed carry permit is not adequate and the debate shouldn’t be over training, but constitutional rights.
“You do know at least which end of the gun to put a bullet in, but other than that to call this training is misleading. You shoot 36 rounds at seven yards, and like I said if you don’t kill yourself or your instructor you pass,” said Whittington.
Whittington said while some law enforcement officials favor the veto, they do not speak for everyone in the field. He said it appears that those who work in municipalities versus parishes favor the veto. Whittington said he’s not alone in support of the concealed-carry legislation.
“I’ll tell you one in particular Sheriff (Scott) Franklin in LaSalle is very outspoken on it,” said Whittington.
If a veto session is called a two-thirds majority vote is required of lawmakers to override the veto. Upon original passed the legislation received more than a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
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