BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C–On Monday night, Berkeley County Council voted 5-1 to deny an ordinance that would limit a person’s ability to fire a weapon near homes and schools in Sangaree.
Councilman Caldwell Pinckney was the only councilman to vote in support of it. Had the ordinance passed, violators could have faced a $500 fine and/or up to 30 days in jail.
“I can’t support this ordinance because it’s too broad in legislating against gun rights,” stated Councilman Ken Gunn who suggested the ordinance be put to a referendum.
“Council should not be in business to legislate and restrict gun rights,” added Councilman Josh Whitley.
Councilman Tommy Newell introduced the ordinance in an effort to prevent innocent bystanders from getting hit by stray bullets. According to Newell, he is aware of at least four incidents in the past year of schools in Berkeley County being locked down because of nearby gunfire. Often times, a gun owner is shooting at targets.
Several residents also spoke in favor of Newell’s proposed ordinance.
“I am pro-gun, but I’m not pro-endangering our children,” one homeowner stated.
The ordinance would have allowed homeowners to fire a gun under certain circumstances including: permitted turkey shoots with proper license, homeowners defending their property from intruders and during special ceremonies.
In December 2015, a similar ordinance was also introduced but failed to pass by the majority of council. That ordinance would have prohibited discharging a firearm near a school or residence in the unincorporated areas of Berkeley County.
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