In an effort to encourage citizens to arm and defend themselves in the aftermath of recent mass shootings and terrorist-related activities in the U.S., Paris and elsewhere, sheriffs in three Missouri counties this week announced they were lowering the cost of applying for concealed carry permits in The Show-Me State.
Wayne Merritt, the sheriff of Laclede County, told a local television station this week that in light of the shootings in Paris and San Bernardino, Calif., he wants to encourage county citizens and all Americans to defend themselves.
“The government has already said they can't keep track of all these home-grown terrorists, so we can’t be everywhere at the same time, so people have to be able to defend themselves,” Merritt told KY3 television. “Paris, as you know, has one of the strictest gun laws in the world — people can't just go out and buy a gun like they can in the United States.”
In addition to Laclede County, sheriffs in St Clair and Vernon also announced the price of Missouri Concealed Carry Permit applications would be dropped from $100 to $65, reflecting a decrease of 35 percent.
In announcing the CCW permit price decrease, Vernon Sheriff Jason Mosher said he believes gun ownership and firearms training help to combat a feeling of vulnerability among citizens.
“I think you’ll find that most law enforcement officers are pro CCW,” Mosher said. “The law abiding citizens that (want) background done, get training to carry a gun and protect themselves. We want to encourage that.”
Indeed, reacting to last week’s terror attack in San Bernardino, Calif., chief law enforcement officers in counties across the U.S. are encouraging citizens to arm themselves to protect their family and property.
“In light of recent events that have occurred in the United States and around the world, I want to encourage citizens of Ulster County who are licensed to carry a firearm to PLEASE DO SO,” wrote Ulster County, N.Y., Sheriff Paul J. Van Blarcum on a Facebook post the day after the California attack. “I urge you to responsibly take advantage of your legal right to carry a firearm. To ensure the safety of yourself and others, make sure you are comfortable and proficient with your weapon, and knowledgeable of the laws in New York state with regards to carrying a weapon and when it is legal to use it.”
