By Samantha Joseph
Staff writer
MARTIN COUNTY -- Martin County's sheriff says he's not likely to enforce proposed federal gun-control legislation.
Sheriff William Snyder said local law enforcement authorities are not empowered to enforce federal law.
He said that's the job of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which enforces federal laws in Martin County.
Further, he said he did not anticipate local lawmakers would change the status quo to allow the proposed gun-control measures that ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines amidst other changes.
"The likelihood of the Florida Legislature radically altering current statutes is remote, and I do not anticipate them doing so," Sheriff Snyder said.
Several sheriffs have spoken out against President Barack Obama's gun-control proposals, arguing they infringe on Second Amendment rights to bear arms, and force local policing groups to enforce federal laws.
Sheriffs across the country, including in Texas and California, said they supported increased background screenings and tougher traffickng laws, but rejected any ban on assault weapons.
All told, Sheriff Snyder said he withheld further comment on the proposals at this time. He said should legislation come from the proposals, he would evaluate that legislation and determine how it affects local law enforcement.
"Sheriff Snyder will not comment on proposals at this time. Should legislation come from the proposals, he will evaluate that legislation and make any determinations as to how it stands to affect local law enforcement, if at all," spokeswoman Christine Weiss said.