UPDATE: According to Kopel, Grand County Sheriff Rodney Johnson has now joined the effort.
Colo Sheriffs’ lawsuit against anti-gun laws grows to 55 Sheriffs, with addition of Rodney Johnson of Grand County.
— Dave Kopel (@davekopel) May 17, 2013
The Independence Institute, along with 54 of Colorado’s County Sheriffs, has filed suit against the extreme gun control legislation pushed through the legislature this year by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s lobbyist.
From their press release:
DENVER, Colo — On Friday, May 17, fifty-four Colorado Sheriffs are filing a federal civil rights lawsuit against two bills passed by the Colorado legislature in March. The suit is being filed in Federal District Court in Denver.
Joining the 54 Sheriffs in the civil rights lawsuit are disabled individuals, Outdoor Buddies (a charitable organization for disabled individuals), licensed firearms dealers, Magpul, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the Colorado State Shooting Association, the Colorado Outfitters Association, Colorado Youth Outdoors, and Women for Concealed Carry.
Below are the heroes who joined the lawsuit. Make sure to thank them next time you see them.
You can read the full formal complaint here.
54 SHERIFFS:
JOHN B. COOKE, Sheriff of Weld County, Colorado;
TERRY MAKETA, Sheriff of El Paso County, Colorado;
JUSTIN SMITH, Sheriff of Larimer County, Colorado;
DAVID A. WEAVER, Sheriff of Douglas County, Colorado;
BRUCE W. HARTMAN, Sheriff of Gilpin County, Colorado;
KEN PUTNAM, Sheriff of Cheyenne County, Colorado;
DENNIS SPRUELL, Sheriff of Montezuma County, Colorado;
TIM JANTZ, Sheriff of Moffat County, Colorado;
JERRY MARTIN, Sheriff of Dolores County, Colorado;
MIKE ENSMINGER, Sheriff of Teller County, Colorado;
SHAYNE HEAP, Sheriff of Elbert County, Colorado;
CHAD DAY, Sheriff of Yuma County, Colorado;
FRED D. MCKEE, Sheriff of Delta County, Colorado;
LOU VALLARIO, Sheriff of Garfield County, Colorado;
FRED HOSSELKUS, Sheriff of Mineral County, Colorado;
BRETT L. POWELL, Sheriff of Logan County, Colorado;
JAMES FAULL, Sheriff of Prowers County, Colorado;
LARRY KUNTZ, Sheriff of Washington County, Colorado;
BRIAN E. NORTON, Sheriff of Rio Grande County, Colorado;
DUKE SCHIRARD, Sheriff of La Plata County, Colorado;
JIM BEICKER, Sheriff of Fremont County, Colorado;
RONALD BRUCE, Sheriff of Hinsdale County, Colorado;
CHRIS S. JOHNSON, Sheriff of Otero County, Colorado;
FRED JOBE, Sheriff of Custer County, Colorado;
DONALD KRUEGER, Sheriff of Clear Creek County, Colorado;
JAMES CRONE, Sheriff of Morgan County, Colorado;
SI WOODRUFF, Sheriff of Rio Blanco County, Colorado;
TOM RIDNOUR, Sheriff of Kit Carson County, Colorado;
TOM NESTOR, Sheriff of Lincoln County, Colorado;
STAN HILKEY, Sheriff of Mesa County, Colorado;
FORREST FRAZEE, Sheriff of Kiowa County, Colorado;
RICK DUNLAP, Sheriff of Montrose County, Colorado;
TED B. MINK, Sheriff of Jefferson County, Colorado;
DAVE STONG, Sheriff of Alamosa County, Colorado;
FRED WEGENER, Sheriff of Park County, Colorado;
BRUCE NEWMAN, Sheriff of Huerfano County, Colorado;
RANDY PECK, Sheriff of Sedgwick County, Colorado;
DOMINIC MATTIVI, JR., Sheriff of Ouray County, Colorado;
JOHN MINOR, Sheriff of Summit County, Colorado;
SCOTT FISCHER, Sheriff of Jackson County, Colorado;
PETER GONZALEZ, Sheriff of Archuleta County, Colorado;
RICK BESECKER, Sheriff of Gunnison County, Colorado;
CHARLES “ROB” URBACH , Sheriff of Phillips County, Colorado;
ROD FENSKE, Sheriff of Lake County, Colorado;
GRAYSON ROBINSON, Sheriff of Arapahoe County, Colorado;
DAVID D. CAMPBELL, Sheriff of Baca County, Colorado;
MIKE NORRIS, Sheriff of Saguache County, Colorado;
AMOS MEDINA, Sheriff of Costilla County, Colorado;
MILES CLARK, Sheriff of Crowley County, Colorado;
DAVID ENCINIAS, Sheriff of Bent County, Colorado;
SUE KURTZ, Sheriff of San Juan County, Colorado;
JAMES (JIM) CASIAS, Sheriff of Las Animas County, Colorado;
GARRETT WIGGINS, Sheriff of Routt County, Colorado;
DOUGLAS N. DARR , Sheriff of Adams County, Colorado;
Here is the list of incumbent Sheriffs who chose not to support your second amendment rights by refusing to participate in the lawsuit:
Boulder Sheriff Joe Pelle (D)
Chaffee Sheriff W. Peter Palmer (D) – says laws are unenforceable though
Conejos Sheriff Robert Gurule (D)
Eagle Sheriff Joseph D. Hoy (R) (Defeated in Republican primary)
Pitkin Sheriff Joe DiSalvo (D)
Pueblo Sheriff Kirk M. Taylor (D)
San Miguel Sheriff Bill Masters (D)
Before he retired, Sheriff Grayson Robinson of Arapahoe County joined the lawsuit. It's nice to see that he's a more pro-2A than his meth dealing, underage gay sex seeking predecessor "Sheriff of the Year" Pat Sullivan. It's unknown what views the current sheriff (David Walcher) holds on this matter.
Here is a summary of the best comments from many thankful people:
Wow, GO Colorado!!! 😉 🙂 :-D…That's real tough police who honor their oath right there to protect, and serve, and to uphold justice in the land!…who protect us against all enemies foreign and domestic!…True patriots!…Americans who defend and protect our Constitution, our 2nd ammendment, the safety and well-being of our families, friends, and neighbors!…finally, real men with common sense and backbone to stand up against illegal laws of anti-American dictatorship!…good sheriffs and officials who do their job with true honor!…thank you for standing behind law-abiding citizens, we stand behind you!…Pray for Colorado!!! 🙂
Sorry I don't see Sheriff Stan Hilkey, Mesa county
Herb Mountain The only reason they're backlogged is because they only process them for something like 8 hours a week…
Well done! These sheriffs are doing their jobs by defending the rights of the people.
Pueblo County
Thank you all for stepping up, i hope the sheriffs of Los Angeles CA.
And, you need to understand that a Deputy took a job to do just that…. deal with criminals. And, he is armed, similarly, and should be well equipped, and protected, and trained and backed up, to defend himself. It is a terrible tough honorable job, and the dangers are high, but that is still a choice. There is no sense in saying we shouldn't have wooden houses, because fireman could get hurt. Outlaw wood houses, mandate brick or block or caves, if the priority is going that way. But this is about the rights of the sherrifs, as citizens, as well as the rights of the people, and the safety of the people, that these gentlemen are sworn to protect, even if it means giving their life…. SWORN. They are protecting our rights, and they are being honest. They know the facts are overwhelmingly proving that gun carrying law abiding citizens help police, help people, and help themselves. The presence of guns in a car, or a house, or a pocketbook, inside a belt/waist band, or pants pocket (or hanging in a holster on the side someone's leg, does not make any danger for anyone, if its a law abiding citizen. The rest you've heard is a lie. Its a joke, and fallacy. THere is no way to minimize what a criminal is going to get or do, unless you intercede, or meet him wtih similar or overwhelmingly superior force. By your logic, we should regulate propane bottles, have background checks for barbecue grills, and require three day waiting for gal gas cans to be filled. All equally dangerous (if dylan clebold and that other nut job had been better at making propane bombs, they would have killed hundreds in Columbine), and all have been used to kill citizens, and cops too.
Mary, the sociopaths that shot up Virginia Tech, Aurora, NewTown, and bombed Boston, are a) not all running around, like zombies, that the police stand between you and them and shoot them like in a arcade game and b) were known to law enforcement in every community for some reason. There was a breakdown in policing, professional care management, ability to question and get treatment for mentally ill people, campus security, and other aspects. Aren't you a bit miffed that no politician is even asking why the interventions that should have occurred did not. that poor women in Newtown tried to get help, and had no where to turn… No Sherrifs departments, incidently, involved in all these prior cases. If a sociopath (which is rare, so it's not likely to happen) comes to you, or you near him/her, and you are in trouble, or he/she is ready to act and hurt you, THERE WILL BE NO POLICE THERE, likely, to interdict and stop him. If you only go places where you are behind barricades, bullet proof glass, and had to be strip searched or electronically scanned to get in, you'll have less chance of being in contact with one that is carrying his weapons. Otherwise, You, (or one of your bretheren citizens, hopefully, by the 2nd amendment (of this state and of the federal constitution) allow you to kill the deviant misfit, or otherwise defend yourself. Then you'll be alive to tell the police when they do come, all about what a sociopath that person was. Otherwise we'll read about you in the news. What these honorable men are doing is protesting, and filing a claim to PROTECT you, and YOUR RIGHTS. They are the ONLY pOLICE that are actually being honest with you, and trying to protect you and your right to protect yourself. NO OTHER police chief, police officer has lined up publicly to protest laws being passed that HURT THEIR CITIZENS. All , Except these men, are either not really concerned or caring about your rights (not true for most of them) , and your safety, or are (most likely) quashed, hushed, or threatened to stay the course, the party line, that the people are going to be under more control, and less freedoms, and more regulation, which in thier heads, (those in control) seems to mean better safety. Totally wrong, proven to be wrong, and a lie. there is big pressure to subdue the people, it seems. NOT SUBDUE or interdict the criminals/psycho and sociopaths!. You gotta wonder…. these men are not far removed from Martin Luther King, our Minutemen, Aberaham Lincoln, John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, and others that took huge risks, and bold moves to protect millions of other peoples' rights, at some risk to themselves. Because its right. They are honorable. You need to know more. And, you need to get a real fix on where your safety is going to come from in any emergent situation.
I have no issue with Sherrif Darr's unfortunate limited budget and low pay and tight wad Adams county council keeping him tight on staff to help move carry permits along. All Sherrifs in our county (really, all over the state) are considerably more professional, less harrassing, and less likely to pull you over to collect fees for their jurisdiction, because they spend a lot more time on peace officer work, and law enforcement with real criminals than most municipal departments seem to. Sherrif Darr has always been an advocate of carry permits and lawful use of guns by citizens. It takes a while, but once issued, they are supportive and easy to work with, and try to get everyone taken care of they can. Thanks Sherrifs! you set the standard for real lawmen, real leadership and community support. I am afraid so many other police forces are under some kind of money related, or politically driven control, they are part of a 'them' and 'us' ideal, that is repugnant. Only 2-5% of the population is criminal, and even of that, most are dumb crimes for which repentance and rehab is likely, and repeats less likely. So really we need cops for the most part to mediate and control hostile or emotional conflicts that arise, catch, or kill the 1% or so that are predators, and the 2-4% that are breaking in, stealing, and punching people in bars. The rest of us don't need policing! The police departments think they need a cop for every couple hundred people. Its not us or the cops, citizens on one side and blue line the other. Sherrifs seem to remember that.
I AM SO DAMNED PROUD OF OUR SHERIFFS!
they don't look jewish or Israeli. where are the Zionists?
It is good to see men standing against Zionist control
@Mari Clifton: No, we really need to take a closer look at the elected officials who would rush to pass this ridiculous, unenforceable and unconstitutional legislation. These laws have NOTHING to do with the sociopaths and deviants carrying guns. THEY DIDN'T OBEY THE LAW ANYWAY. So now, the law abiding people of Colorado are being punished and disarmed because of the actions of a couple of psycho criminals. You want to stop violence? Then give James Holmes the death penalty. Anyone who signed these bills committed political suicide, it is time we draw the line and fight for our rights as LAW ABIDING citizens. Who will protect us from criminals now? A reaction to a crime is to ban the tool used to commit? Utter nonsense. Ban cars, they kill more people.
it wasn't the police. If the police had been there they would not have happened. the point is YOU should protect yourself. Or hope there is a concealed carry person by you. COPS do not stop crime. They do the report and try to find the perps after.
thanks for having the guts to stand against the tyranny these transplanted libs are.
trying to wage against law abiding citizens.
I think Darr and Mink probably get along pretty well.
Way to go Tim Jantz I knew you would be one of the Sheriff's to protect us you are just that kind of man and an honest Sheriff. I know Don is so proud and standing beside you. I know you have the respect of all your deputies and a lot of others in the beautiful State of Colorado. Hugs, 223.5 Marlene
I think we should look at the need for this as a positive sign of our demographic as gun owners. It's a pain in the ass and less than convenient but the fact that they are back logged and overwhelmed means there are a lot of us to fight for our right to defend ourselves and our families. I too was surprised but pleasantly surprised to see Doug on this list.
Darr told me personally about 5 weeks ago that he did not support the lawsuit and that it was not the sherriff's place to dictate law, rather enforce it.
I'm glad to see Ted Mink from Jeffco on that list!
Mari Clifton, Law enforcement is hired just as the military to protect the Constitution, our laws and the rights of the citizens of the United States of America. They put their life on the line just like our military everyday you should be thanking them not condemning. Law enforcement does not support dirt bags that shoot people like in Colorado they support people that want to have the right to protect their families and loved ones. I did not hear about the “per motion of easy laws” where did that come from? I would be interested in reading it. I only heard about the Sheriff’s that want to protect the Constitution and our 2nd Amendment rights and btw that was in the Oath they had to take before becoming a Sheriff and what we hired them to do. If you are saying that you want them to enforce some laws but not all of them it does not work that way and besides I would not want a Sheriff that changes the laws to suit them or people like you. You need to do more reading before you make statements that you cannot support. OH, I live in the state of Colorado and I admire these men and women in Law enforcement that have come forward the ones that should be re elected are the Sheriff's that didn't, that tells me they do not support the Oath they took to protect me, my family and the rights of the people.
Not real sure the intent is there- but hey- it looks good for the next political move, right?
glad to see Adams County Darr
I would just like everyone to take note that Sheriff Mink of Jefferson County has simply joined this lawsuit because he is a follower and claims to be a conservative in support of the citizens 2a rights. He has sinced approached the county comissioners of Jeffco to pass ordinance to ban open carry in any and all county buildings that employees feel uncomfortable with people open carrying. He thought he could sneak that in without anyone knowing. He might be campaigning to become a county commissioner. #justsayin
Did you NOT read the top of the article, he was/is #55.
Call him!!!
None of the laws passed by the latest batch of Liberal "Feel Gooders" would have none anything to stop any of the recent mass shootings, NOTHING! The Govt. does not have the resources to protect you 24/7, self protection is your responsibility. I do not know one single law enforcement professional that supports the recent gun laws, and after 25 years as a law enforcement professional, I know alot of professional cops. If you think stricter laws will stop violence, well, I hope you never have to face reality.
The Rod feel a little pressure there?
If your Sheriff is not on the list, call him today.
oh really? and who protects us from all the sociopaths and deviants carrying guns, including the recent mass killings in Colorado? it is unconceivable that we still have people wanting to promote easy laws to have laws, and even more concerning when law enforcement sheriffs support this, we need to take a closer look at who we hire in law enforcement.
Every single law enforcement officer that I know is in favor of CC.
BTW George are you law enforcement? Military? I would guess not or you would understand the integrity and brotherhood
You need to first understand that these are men with integrity they took an oath when they took the office of Sheriff you should be proud of them for protecting your rights instead of criticizing them. I would be greatly surprised if each Sheriff did not have 100% of his or her deputies proud and supportive of their Sheriff for taking this stand. They are a band of brothers and they stick together. I can tell you that because I was a wife of a law enforcement officer, Deputy Sheriff for 17 years.
I am so proud of the Sheriff's that have stepped up to the plate to protect the rights of the citizens. My husband was a retired Deputy Sheriff and I know he is looking down from heaven very proud to be a part of this brotherhood. Thank You to each and everyone of you!
Where is Dave Campbell, Baca Co???
We need this in Georgia. I'm sorely disappointed to not hear anything but, we support (insert whatever here). Cmon Georgia, get up and get moving.
Oh i am so sorry i missed it so glad to hear that. wow glad you marched in Canon city we just moved from there two yrs ago.
But try to get a concealed carry they will sure take their sweet ass time!
@ Julius Henry, Appointment… Print app off internet, fill out the app, they process as many as they think they can get done in the 90 day by law time period. The appointments came out so you do not go to the S.O. for nothing…Long lines.. They are also doing the photo and prints so they can just mail your permit to you.
I think you should take a moment what it feels like to be a part of a considerably more scenarios where a citizen's outcome would have greatly changed had they had a gun to defend themselves. Three gun laws would not protect a deputy because the criminals that are using guns to attack deputies will always have them.
Nice! I hope some of these Sheriffs decide to run for congress in 2014!
Colorado sheriffs have seen it fit to sue their Governor for infringing on the rights of gun owners.
What about the rights and lives of deputies who have to deal with the gun owners when they go wacko? Who is worried about them?
The favorable votes these sheriffs expect to get from this sham suit do not outweigh the life of a single deputy.
From a law enforcement perspective, therefore, the sheriffs' suit is irresponsible and callous.
Yes chaffee county missing too. Im from there, born and raised and I am repulsed that our sheriff is not on that list. We used to be a farm and ranch community. Now just a bunch of nasty yuppie hippes in this valley. I am ashamed now to say I live in this once great county.
I'm sort of surprised to see Grayson Robinson of Arapahoe county on there. Surprised and very happy.
He is there, he marched with us in Canon City a couple weeks ago!!
Denver and Broomfield Counties do not have an elected Sheriff. They have an appointed Police Chief (political appointee) who serves as the "County Sheriff". Denver's "Sheriffs" Office is run by an Under Sheriff who is under the Police Chief. For all intents and purposes the Denver Sheriffs Office is just the correctional division of the Denver PD, give or take a few things here and there.
Pueblo county
Remember, Denver does not have an elected Sheriff nor does Broomfield! They have an appointed Police Chief who serves the function of the Sheriff. Denver's "Sheriffs" department is headed by an Under Sheriff who is under the Denver Police Chief.
Otero County Sharif is there. Keep reviewing.
Otero County Sharif is there. Keep reviewing.
Garfield is on the list
OOPS PROWERS IS THERE.
OTERO COUNTY…PROWERS COUNTY BACA COUNTY FOR THREE OF THEM MISSING…I THINK I MISSED THEM…HAVE TO READ IT AGAIN.
Sorry, Garfield Co has signed
Thanks…I didn't see it at first look. Not surprised with left leaning Boulder County, but Sheriff Joe Pelle is a reasonable person. Surprised he didn't sign it.
Others MIA: Pitkin Co-Aspen, Eagle Co-Vail, San Miguel Co-Telluride, Garfield-Glenwood Springs…anyone else see a pattern?
Chaffee Co is missing…Salida hippies
Not surprised to see that Boulder Co and Denver are absent. Who else is missing?
Amen brother
Chris is there
Go Jim Faull out of prowers. lets get se colorado in there some where.
Where is Chris Johnson from Otero? come on now Chris.
Larimer is there…Denver is missing from what I could see.
Boulder and Larimer Sheriff's aren't on this list…bummer.
I am surprised to see Adams County Sheriff Douglas Darr on the list, his policies on having to make an appointment to START your application for a conceal carry are in violation of state law.