Sheriff to Women: Arm Yourselves

by
posted on November 2, 2011
sinews.jpg (98)

In the wake of a brutal attempted rape at a community park on Oct. 30, the sheriff of Spartanburg County, SC, had some forthright advice for women as he spoke at a news conference the morning following the incident.

"Ladies, walk in groups. Get a concealed weapons permit," said Sheriff Chuck Wright. "I don't want you to go for the Mace—I want you to go for the concealed weapons permit."

The sheriff's Oct. 31 news conference was officially called to announce the arrest of Walter Monroe Lance, 46. Lance has been charged with kidnapping, first-degree criminal sexual conduct and grand larceny in connection with the attack on a woman walking her dog at Milliken Park in Spartanburg. The suspect is being held without bond.

Sheriff Wright said Lance's criminal career dates back to 1983 and includes convictions for disorderly conduct, domestic violence, assault and battery with intent to kill and resisting arrest.

During the news conference, Wright displayed a fanny pack that women could use to carry a concealed handgun while jogging or walking.

Wright said he recommended a .45-caliber handgun for personal defense, but noted "Gun control to me is when you can get your barrel back on the target quick."

A South Carolina concealed-carry permit requires applicants to complete an eight-hour course that includes detailed classroom instruction on state gun laws, use of deadly force, handgun safety and proper handgun storage, in addition to firing a handgun on a range in the presence of the instructor.

Since the news of the Oct. 30 incident and Sheriff Wright's subsequent comments, local firearms instructors say they received a spike in requests from women to attend concealed carry and personal defense classes.

David Blanton, owner of Top Gun Shooting in Boiling Springs, SC, told the Spartanburg Herald Journal in the 24 hours following Sheriff Wright's remarks, he received 23 calls inquiring about his firearms course and concealed-carry permits from women and husbands concerned about their wives. Blanton, a retired Spartanburg County sheriff's deputy, said he normally receives about five calls a day regarding his classes

Latest

V One
V One

First Look: V.One Smart Gun Lock Guard II

Biometric access to your firearm with a key lock backup.

Ground Broken for 6.8mm Production Facility at Lake City Army Ammunition Plant

The ammunition is part of the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) Program

Fightin' Iron: Just Showin' It Off

What academics refer to as “conspicuous consumption,” gun people call “barbecue guns.”

Don’t Overthink Your Shooting

As Yogi Berra famously said, 90 percent of the game is 50 percent mental.

First Look: New Ammunition From Berger

Two new rounds designed for the long-range game.

Rifles: Centered and Silent

When firing a suppressed rifle, keeping the bullets away from the baffles is key for safety, performance and preservation of the can itself.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.