National Guard Issues Statement After Dem Rep Suggests Using Them To Enforce Gun Control
National Guard Speaks Out After Dem's Gun Control Statement
Volume 90%
By Jack Davis
Published December 14, 2019 at 11:24am
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.”
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.
“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.
“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.
Poster Comment:
Kent State comes to mind.