Franklin commissioners defend gun rights

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution Monday night to preserve and defend the Second Amendment as a gun control debate rages across the nation after the Sandy Hook massacre in Newtown, Conn.

Posted 4:39 a.m. Feb 5, 2013 — Updated 5:05 a.m. Feb 5, 2013

LOUISBURG, N.C. — The Franklin County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution Monday night to preserve and defend the Second Amendment as a gun control debate rages across the nation after the Sandy Hook massacre in Newtown, Conn.

President Barack Obama is urging Congress to pass tougher gun laws, but many Franklin County residents say they oppose the measures.

"Today our God-given right to defend ourselves from street thugs in gang attire and government thugs in business suits is under attack," one man told commissioners during the public comment portion of the meeting.

"It's almost worse than the tragedy to start with, to go after guns," said Commissioner Harry Foy.

Others argued that a resolution is unnecessary.

"The Second Amendment is intact and will always be intact," one man said. "My advice to my fellow citizens is simply chill. Everything will be alright. The government is not coming to take your guns."

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