Firearms Ordinance Halted 2-4

It was a rare sighting: few seats to be found at the Dorchester County Council chambers in St. George during Monday's regular meeting.

Gun owners from the county had gathered to voice their opinions on a proposed ordinance that would make it an arresting, fine-able offense to discharge a firearm in residentially zoned neighborhoods and within 500 feet of residential roads in the county. The ordinance is superseded by state law and would not infringe upon a citizen's right to bear arms or protect him or herself, according to the county.

Third reading was scheduled to take place, but the final vote was 2-4 with Councilman George Bailey absent. Councilmen Larry Hargett and David Chinnis voted in favor of the ordinance. 

When it was defeated, a deafening applause rang through the chamber from the raucous crowd, which had interrupted council several times Monday evening.

During public comments, council heard from several citizens — all of which were opposed to the ordinance and cited Second Amendment rights. Some addressed concerns of overreaching government.

"I carry a gun because a cop is too late," Bruce Bates said.

Jerry Zeigler said council shouldn't punish those wishing to fire their weapons responsibly either for recreation or for hunting.

"A lot of people have homes that fall within 100 feet of the county road, but they may want to shoot in their backyard," Zeigler said. "Under this ordinance, these people would be committing a crime."

Hargett called Sheriff L.C. Knight to speak about firearm discharges over the last 18 months. Knight said there were more than 547 calls in that period, and only 12 arrests. But added that he did not have data on where those calls were from or if they were actual gunshots or cars backfiring.

Tony Piscatella also addressed council.

"If there's nobody to arrest, why do we have to put another ordinance on the books?" he asked, citing Knight's brief presentation that said there usually isn't anyone present by the time authorities arrive to investigate possible gunshots. 

As council members mulled the ordinance during discussion, members touted their gun owner status — including Chair Hargett and Chinnis.

Chinnis had brought a bag full of empty holsters and laid them out for the crowd to see.

"When I go home, everyone of these will have something in there," Chinnis said before addressing why he thought the ordinance was necessary. "Laws don't address people who are responsible, they address those who are irresponsible."

As he spoke, members of the crowd attempted to interrupt him.

"Excuse me. It's my turn to speak," Chinnis fired back. He continued: "I don't go shoot off my front porch ... Anything this ordinance does is constrained by state law ... Crocodile tears don't work. The attempt to address the personal protection was not necessary because the Castle doctrine addresses that very clearly ...

"I represent neighborhoods that are far closer together, and if you are protecting yourself you have every right to do so, but if you are infringing upon someone's safety because you are being irresponsible than government has a right to step in. You can't pick and choose which rights you get and which rights you don't get."

Hargett noted headlines that show irresponsible shooting of weapons in neighborhoods should be regulated. He cited the young child in Summerville who lost an eye to a stray bullet and reports of residents' houses and vehicles being shot.

"These were done by irresponsible gun owners," Hargett said. "I'm a responsible gun owner ... I'm one of you. Most of us, we know that, but I'm telling you there are people who don't know what they're doing."

A citizen shouted out in response: "Educate! Don't take our rights away!"

While first and second reading had passed with full support of council, at least four had a change of heart. Councilman Jay Byars noted that the ordinance could be a "slippery slope," and Councilman Bill Hearn said he got numerous emails, phone calls and texts on the matter, none of which were in favor of the ordinance.

"You certainly made your voices heard loud and clear. It was very overwhelming," Hearn said.

The only Democrat on council also voted against the ordinance.

"We can't legislate everything," Councilman Willie Davis said.