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Dear Citizens,
On behalf of the Sharp County Sheriff's Office, I would like to publicly address the recent ATF rule 2021R-08F issued last week regarding “pistol braces”. Since this “rule” came into effect on January 13th, 2023, many otherwise legal gun owners are now in fear of their Second Amendment rights being violated. After speaking with many of you, I want to publicly say that the Sharp County Sheriff’s office WILL NOT assist the federal government in enforcing this act. I, among many others, believe that this is a clear violation and infringement of our second amendment rights. The right to keep and bear arms for defense of life, liberty, and property is regarded as an inalienable right by the people. Upon being sworn in as YOUR Sheriff, I swore to protect and uphold the rights provided to all of us in the Constitution. This oath and responsibility is taken with the upmost seriousness. As outlined by other Sheriff’s recently, Arkansas Code 21-1-904 was put in place as protection for infringements such as this.
Arkansas Code 21-1-904, “(a) All acts, laws, orders, rules, and regulations of the United States Government that were enacted on or after January 1, 2021, that infringe on the people’s right to keep and bear arms as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution and Arkansas Constitution, Article 2,§ 5, are invalid in this state, shall not be recognized by this state, are specifically rejected by this state, and shall be considered null and void and of no effect in this state. (b) Such a federal ban that is null and void in this state under subsection (a) of this section includes without limitation: (4) Any act forbidding the possession, ownership, use, or transfer of any type of firearm, firearm accessory, or ammunition by law-abiding citizens; (1) The following persons shall not enforce or assist federal agencies or officers in the enforcement of any federal statue, executive order, or federal agency directive that conflicts with Arkansas Constitution, Article 2, § 5, or any Arkansas law: (A) A public officer or employee of this state.”
In conclusion, the Sharp County Sheriff's Office will not participate in a violation of our Constitutional Rights. As the chief law enforcement official of this county, my office, nor myself will be arresting, assisting in arrest, or housing law abiding citizens for non-compliance of this act. Instead, the Sharp County Sheriff's Office will be dedicated to solving REAL crimes and arresting REAL criminals, working to ensure that we all have a safe place to live.
Respectfully,
Shane Russell
Sharp County Sheriff