Local sheriff says he won’t enforce gun ban - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

President Obama's agenda to impose new laws restricting guns is causing debate across the country. Now a local sheriff is joining a growing chorus of law enforcement officials taking a stand against the plan.

Less than two months after the tragedy at Sandy Hook, gun control has been taking center stage in Washington. Hundreds of miles away, Hancock County Sheriff Michael Heldman is sending a message to the president.

"This country was built on people, God, country, guts and guns," says the sheriff. "People have a right to protect themselves."

Sheriff Heldman wrote a letter to President Obama, essentially telling the president if stricter gun laws are passed, he doesn't plan on enforcing them.

"People have the right to bear arms and feel secure in their own homes," he says.

Heldman is one of many law enforcement leaders across the country who believes adding regulations will not increase safety. 

Hancock is a Republican county, but Heldman says his argument is simply about constitutional rights.

"If the constitution changes, then we'd have to enforce the change," he says.

Until then, Heldman says, if the president imposes new restrictions and a ban on semi-automatic rifles, his department will not take part in the enforcement.