Berkeley Co. Sheriff 'Favorable' to Enhancing Gun Laws

Berkeley County Sheriff Wayne DeWitt said Friday he will support the right to bear arms but is also in favor of enhancing "laws to keep guns out of the hands of criminals convicted of felonies and violent crimes as well as those determined to be mentally ill."

On Wednesday, President Barack Obama released a list of proposals to tighten gun control around the country in the wake of the Newtown, Conn., mass shooting where 27 people died. 

On Thursday, Charleston County Sheriff Al Cannon held a press conference and said he would oppose any law that infringes upon an individual's rights, protected by the U.S. Constitution. 

DeWitt's statement came on the heels of those events. DeWitt released this statement: 

“Quite simply, I am a firm supporter of the Second Amendment (the right to bear arms). In addition, I took the oath of office to support and comply with the Constitution of the United States of America of which the Second Amendment is attached. Hopefully, Congress will review the proposed legislation and uphold thebeliefs of our founding fathers. I will be favorable, as I am sure most Americans would be, to enhance laws to keep guns out of the hands of criminals convicted offelonies and violent crimes as well as those determined to be mentally ill.”