Nelson, Ga. Votes to Require Gun Ownership

Police Chief Heath Mitchell says Nelson is a place where everybody knows everybody. And he says Nelson is a city where about 95% the 1400 residents already own a gun.

He says the new law is targeted at outsiders. “It’s mostly just the passers-by that’s coming through town that say, ‘Hey, this is a small town. We’ll go commit some thefts or some burglaries, or whatever,’” said Mitchell. “And this is, you know, really gonna make ‘em think twice.” An audio version of this story

Chief Mitchell says Nelson does not have much crime, but it still wants to send a message that reaches far beyond its boundaries. “We have a city council here that’s going to support the citizens’ second amendment rights, and they’re going to let everybody know that, hey, Nelson takes this serious, and that most every household is going to have a firearm, and they will defend their selves.”

Mitchell says he will not be enforcing the ordinance proactively, but he does plan to hold gun safety classes. The first step though is to post signs announcing the new law at the city limits.