The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence called for Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin to step down as the lead investigator for the mass shooting at Umpqua Community College because of Hanlin\u2019s pro-Second Amendment views. <\/p>\n
\u201cCitizens of Oregon voted for the expansion of Brady background checks in a law signed by Governor Brown this past May,\u201d Brady Campaign President Dan Gross said in a weekend statement. <\/p>\n
\u201cIn pledging not to enforce the new law, John Hanlin has clearly demonstrated that his political ideology trumps his responsibility to protect his community,\u201d the statement continued. \u201cThe victims of last week\u2019s shooting and the entire community deserve a thorough investigation that will get to the bottom of this heinous crime \u2013 an investigation that must be grounded in facts and evidence, not myth and bias.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gross also pointed to a video of Hanlin questioning the veracity of the shooting that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Apparently, Hanlin was suggesting that it may have been a government plot to push through tougher gun control laws. <\/p>\n
Hanlin flat out denied the insinuation that he believes Sandy Hook was a government conspiracy, and has refused to answer questions on his personal views on the Second Amendment. <\/p>\n
\u201cMy focus right now is on getting this investigation completed and taking care of the victims and the victims\u2019 families,\u201d Hanlin said on Friday. \u201cNow is not an appropriate time to have those conversations.\u201d<\/p>\n