Eastern Idaho sheriff: Gun control is ‘out of control’

Ahead of a major federal gun control announcement, an eastern Idaho sheriff took a stand on gun control laws.

Madison County Sheriff Roy Klingler said states passing reform are “out of control.”

On Tuesday, New York state’s mostly Republican senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of strict new gun laws.

After a vote in the house, the reform was signed into law on Tuesday evening.

On Wednesday, President Obama introduced proposals for sweeping federal gun control.

Klingler said ahead of that announcement, he had no reservations being outspoken against gun control legislation.

“I personally am sick and tired of the government putting regulations in place that affect our personal rights, our property rights and the Constitution,” said Klingler.

As New York state passes gun control restricting ammunition magazine size, and establishing a statewide gun registry, Klingler said he is unmoved.

“I think these states passing these laws are out of control,” he said.

On Wednesday, the White House will propose federal firearms control — something Klingler said he cannot support.

“It’s not the gun or the amount of bullets,” he said. “It’s the person.”

But there is one area Klingler said more attention should be paid.

“There’s always red flags,” Klingler said.

The New York legislation requires mental healthcare professionals to report patients exhibiting behavior potentially dangerous to themselves or others.

“Every time we go back and look at it, we’re missing the red flags,” he said.

Klingler said mental health professionals should be given the option to report volatile behavior.

“That kind of legislation I would be in favor of, anything that will help and untie these healthcare professionals’ hands,” said Klingler.

Our station contacted the Bonneville County Sheriff Office and Idaho Falls Police Department for comment on the upcoming federal gun control announcement.

Representatives for both agencies told me administrators would comment on proposed reforms after Obama’s announcement on Wednesday.