California sheriff refuses to enforce new gun law backed by Newsom

A California sheriff's office announced Wednesday that it does not plan on enforcing the state's new gun law, backed by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom.

On Monday, a new concealed-carry law went into effect that prevents firearm owners from carrying weapons in "sensitive" public spaces, which includes parks, stadiums, government buildings, medical facilities, churches, public transit, many parking areas, anywhere liquor is sold and consumed, and several other places. While the law applies to concealed-carry permit holders, it also impacts open-carry permit holders in more rural areas of the state, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Democrats and other supporters of the legislation believe the restrictions are commonsense measures that will curb gun violence. Critics contend that the list of restricted "sensitive places" is so extensive that it effectively prevents permit holders from legally carrying a firearm outside of their homes.

Newsom signed the bill, authored by Democratic Senator Anthony Portantino, into law last year.

"When SB 2 is implemented, it will certainly increase public safety and, I believe, save lives," Portantino stated.

In December, U.S. District Judge Cormac J. Carney blocked the gun law from taking effect on January 1, declaring portions of the bill unconstitutional. Carney wrote in his decision that the law's "coverage is sweeping, repugnant to the Second Amendment, and openly defiant of the Supreme Court."

However, days later, a federal appeals court placed a temporary hold on the judge's ruling, which allowed the restrictions to take effect at the start of the year.

Newsom called Carney's ruling "dangerous" and applauded the appeals court's temporary order.

"Californians overwhelmingly support efforts to ensure that places like hospitals, libraries and children's playgrounds remain safe and free from guns," Newsom stated.

Sutter County Sheriff Brandon Barnes and Sutter County District Attorney Jennifer Dupré released a joint statement Wednesday announcing that they would not enforce the new gun law.

"This past Saturday, December 30th, The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals suspended the December 20th injunction, essentially enacting the sensitive areas portion of the bill. We suspect this will be challenged further and will have to make it's way through the court process. It appears there are additional hearings on this matter scheduled in the coming weeks," the joint statement read.

"We certainly encourage all citizens to obey the law," the statement added.

The sheriff's and DA's offices vowed to work together "to evaluate circumstances on a case-by-case basis."

"We have no interest in criminalizing constitutionally protected behavior. We took an oath to uphold our Constitution and will work to protect the rights of our citizens," the joint statement continued. "This issue is far from being resolved and we are hopeful the courts will rule in favor of our constitution."

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