Charlotte County commissioner apologizes for controversial gun sanctuary comment

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. – After Charlotte County took on the role as a second amendment sanctuary county, democrats are sounding the alarm.

Commissioners voted unanimously earlier this month to guarantee the right to own and carry guns in the county.

“If you don’t like it, leave,” said Commissioner Bill Truex at that last meeting.

“Many people are outraged by Commissioner Truex’s comment,” Jim Blue said.

Another resident said he found it especially troubling considering the board is so competent in how they do their business.
Now Truex is backtracking on that statement. 

“That was a statement that should not have been made from this [board]. It’s not reflective of the entire board. You have to stand up, you have to own it and I messed up, and I apologize,” Truex said.

Truex said today he is very passionate about the constitution, but he should not have made the comment he did. He is owning up to his mistake, and other commissioners are commending him for it.

Florida has 43 sanctuary counties, a place that prohibits the enforcement of certain gun control measures. Charlotte County adopted the resolution two weeks ago.

Commissioner Joseph Tiseo told those who came to speak at today’s meeting, that’s what he wants them to do

“We don’t want you to move away, we want you to move into this chamber because some of our best work is bringing your grievances to us,” Tiseo said.

In addition to that comment, some are taking issue with the resolution itself. The board passed the resolution unanimously so instead of asking them to repeal it, these are the residents’ requests

“I think we need better clarification on what sanctuaries are,” Joan Fischer said.

“If county commissioners wanted to do something serious and responsible, how about convening a panel of experts who see the gun safety issue from different perspectives and gain their insights on best practices for protecting citizens from gun related deaths,” Bill Welsch added.

The resolution is more symbolic in nature as federal law trumps local legislation.

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