FLEMING ISLAND, Fla.-- President Obama is tackling a hot-button issue with gun control, but local sheriffs are not talking about the issue.
It's the scene we see all too often with flashing lights and crime tape. In many cases, it was someone who was murdered and a gun was in the wrong hands. After the tragedy in Connecticut, President Obama is calling for change. "This should be a wake up call for all of us," said the President.
Where do we draw the line on infringing on the 2nd Amendment rights of people and the safety of our community?
We spoke with former sheriff of Clay County Dalton Bray. We asked if there needs to be a ban on all guns. "Oh no, I'm not for undoing the 2nd Amendment at all," said Bray.
Bray also spent four years in the FBI and 14 with FDLE. He says no matter what the gun laws say, people will find guns. "The criminal got weapons and it's a big problem for police and the public," said Bray.
Local sheriffs have pointed that out for years. Jacksonville Sheriff John Rutherford was outraged when two little girls were shot and watched their father die in 2010. He said, "You can see the total disregard for human life."
Clay County Sheriff Rick Besler was upset earlier this year when one of his own detectives was shot and killed during a meth bust. "It's always our best officers that are the ones that are killed in the line of duty," said Beseler.
Wednesday night the people on the front lines who deal with this crime everyday, the sheriff's of our local counties, did not want to talk. Our messages and emails requesting an interview with them were denied. Some cited political reasons, saaying we are "still in the heat of the moment."
Bray says he understands that, but thinks those with the knowledge need to speak up. "We have more gun laws than we can stick in it. We probably need to go readdress which ones are most effective," said Bray. "I'm all for the constitution. Some pretty smart people put it on paper and we've followed it so far."
Action News did talk with a local gun group Wednesday. They tell us they just hope this is not a "typical knee jerk reaction to a tragic event."
