Arizona Sheriff Challenges Obama on Gun Grabbing

In a nationally televised town hall Thursday, Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu defended Americans’ right to bear arms in the face of President Barack Obama’s assault on the 2nd Amendment.

Babeu, invited by CNN to forum in Virginia, asked Obama what gun control measures he would have implemented to stop previous mass shootings. Obama failed to provide specifics in his answer.

“I was disappointed President Obama could not level with the nation and list for us his ideas for a solution,” Babeu said. “He would rather issue constitutionally questionable executive actions rather than tackle the issues head on working with Congress.”

Babeu said America must focus on mental health issues as a way to address gun violence.

“About half of my jail is filled with people with underlying mental health issues. Jails have become de facto mental health treatment centers,” Babeu said. “Keeping guns out of the hands of the mentally ill while providing successful treatment options will reduce violence.”

Babeu, selected to appear on CNN because of his strong support for the 2nd Amendment, returned to Arizona Friday and renewed his commitment to protect freedoms enshrined in the Constitution.

“A law abiding citizen with proper firearms training is the best protection against an armed violent predator or terrorist,” Babeu said. “I encourage Arizona residents to learn about their right to bear arms and proper gun safety.”