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Weld County Sheriff John Cooke explains why he will not enforce new gun control measures when they go into effect
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Great big -- -- -- out a sheriff takes on a governor -- about twelve hours the governor of Colorado will sign new gun control legislation but a share -- one Colorado county is refusing to enforce the new laws.
Well coming shared John Cook joins us good -- shaft.
They regret -- that you have for having me on.
Thank you for reactors -- that didn't -- new law falls into categories -- background checks and also magazines.
I'm curious.
What it why did they -- we decide not to enforce a new law.
Well for -- reasons the first.
I'm sorry to see tomorrow come because.
We're gonna throw a 150 years of tradition.
In the in the state of Colorado.
I feel sorry for our citizens -- -- governor signs those bills.
But I'm opposed -- -- because.
First off it's a violation voted in in an infringement on our constitutional rights not only the US constitution.
But our state constitution and plus they are knee jerk reactions feel good bills.
Two to a tragedy and they're not gonna do any thing for public safety or for law enforcement they are totally.
Unenforceable so how can I -- for something that's unenforceable.
I did turn percent background checks how extensive by the background checks went so what are the rules behind us.
Well but there are universal background -- so that means there's no private sales you -- not sold -- your neighbor he can't sell it to your best friend.
You have to go to a federal firearms dealer to have a background check and basically it's an instant check.
Were the -- firearms dealer calls down to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
And they run your name did -- -- then the problem is it's not fingerprint check.
They have a lot of common names and so a lot of people get denied the right to buy -- gun right then and there.
Not only talk less of the practical effects of those I -- from Wyoming I go into car ride out.
And I give a gun to a criminal -- then goes on does some of the -- mean there are -- to a non criminal history.
That -- -- -- -- none of that transaction would be subject to a background check grind.
That's correct and and that's one of the big fallacies about this bill.
The criminals don't get background checks so one criminal won't say to another criminal before I give you this guns that mess.
You we need to go get a background check.
It just doesn't happen and fans who think that we're gonna stop.
Criminals from getting -- is ludicrous.
As the governor said anything -- -- gotten wind of the fact that you are -- did not intend to enforce this new law.
I don't know I'm jury has heard I did.
Get information from somebody that.
People down of the capital and I'm suing the governor are not happy with me and for making this stance.
Our other sheriffs in Colorado standing with -- standing alone on this one.
No.
I believe there is a large number of -- that are standing with me when.
The sheriffs went down to testify against these gun bills we had thirty of the 62 elected sheriffs down there and any time a -- -- to testify.
All the other sheriffs all 29.
Sheriffs got up and stood behind -- social solidarity that we were adamantly opposes these gun control bills.
And I know there are several -- -- are gonna do the same thing that I am and not enforce these bills.
-- you elected and if so what sort of been the response that community to your position.
I I am elected on in my third term I've been -- for -- and the response has been overwhelming.
In the last eighteen hours I've received over 6700 emails.
And out of those six to 700 only about ten of the negative all the rest of then just very supportive.
And no doubt in your mind you are not gonna force -- -- lost.
There's absolutely no doubt in my mind I will not enforce these laws that because I can't and I won't I don't have the desire or the will to do it.
Share average -- yes there.
Thank you for having me.
