GUN REFORM LAWS: SC groups disagree on how to address nationwide problem with gun violence
COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — With recent high profile shootings across the country, many groups in South Carolina are asking for gun law reform.
However, others believe the proposed reforms infringe upon Second Amendment rights.
Monday, South Carolina resident and Students Demand Action Volunteer Jakoby Mitchell was the the US Capitol asking for gun law reform.
“We shouldn’t have to go through our lives worrying about being shot and killed. No one should. In this country, more kids die by guns than from any other means,” said Mitchell, a student at Clemson University.
CDC data shows that in 2020, guns surpassed motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of death for children.
“Kids like Knowledge A Sims. His family described him as a loving and caring 7 year old,” Mitchell said. “He was shot and killed in his home in Columbia. Senators, please act.”
However, a member of the group SC Carry believes reforms such as banning certain firearms do not properly address the issue of gun violence.
“It’s punishing 99 point 9 percent of the firearms owners in the county who have done nothing wrong,” said Dan Roberts, SC Carry board member. “It’s not going to stop the problem. You’re focusing on the object instead of the person.”
Roberts says that more focus should be paid to mental health and that stricter sentences for breaking existing laws are more effective.
“If you commit a violent act with a gun, it’s an automatic sentence of 10 to 15 or 20 years,” the SC Carry member suggested. “We’re not pleading it out. We’re not giving you a deal. If A, then B.”
He also believes that guns should not be banned from schools but instead put in the right hands.
“What is the harm in having qualified trained citizens, retired veterans, retired police officers who want to volunteer from standing guard,” Roberts said.
Politicians in South Carolina have also weighed in on the issue, including a candidate for governor and the current governor himself.
“I’m a gun owner. I grew up around guns. I have my concealed weapon permit. We can have common sense gun safety measures and respect for the Second Amendment,” said former Congressman Joe Cunningham, who is running for governor. “It’s not an either or. These are not mutually exclusive.”
“You always have to remember that Second Amendment. It’s there for a very good reason. We must be very careful,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “We have to do all we can to make sure people are protected but understand that people have a constitutional right.”
