A New Jersey state Senate candidate warned a gun rights group earlier this month against listening to his Democratic rival on gun rights, agreeing with an audience member that constituents should get their guns if he comes to their doorsteps.
Speaking at a meeting of the New Jersey Second Amendment Society on October 7, Atlantic County Sheriff Frank Balles criticized State Sen. Jim Whelan (D) for his stance on gun control, suggesting that the Democrat is being disingenuous by saying he does not want to take his constituents' gun rights away.
"When someone's been elected for 30 years and he comes knocking on your door and tells you, 'Listen, this is what I want to do to help you,' quickly close your door, go inside," Balles said of Whelan, who voted in favor of several firearms restrictions earlier this year.
"And get your gun!" added a member of the group.
"And get your gun," Balles said, laughing with the audience.
Watch his full remarks above.
The New Jersey State Democratic Committee quickly pounced on Balles' remarks, calling on him to exit the race.
"Encouraging violence toward any elected official is bad enough, but when it comes from the head of a law enforcement agency it's absolutely reprehensible," committee executive director Justin Myers said in a statement. “Balles’ remark is totally unacceptable. We have seen how this type of irresponsible language can lead to actual violence, as was the case in the brutal attack on Congresswoman Gabby Gifford of Arizona. Not only does Frank Balles not belong in the legislature, he has disgraced his uniform and the Atlantic County Sheriff's Department and should hand in his badge immediately.”
(h/t Talking Points Memo)
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