Rally for the 2nd: Residents to speak out against gun control
By Wes Wade | (wes.wade@thedailytimes.com)
As talks of stricter gun legislation heat up around the country, some Blount County residents have decided it’s time to hold a rally, one with the Second Amendment as the guest of honor.
The “Blount County 2nd Amendment Rally” will take place noon Saturday at the Blount County Courthouse, 345 S. Court St., Maryville. About 200 people had committed to attend as of Tuesday, according to the event’s Facebook page.
Blount County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Randy Ailey, one of the event’s main organizers, said the inspiration for a rally came from the recent growing talks for stricter gun legislation.
“I heard a lot of people talking about how we needed to have something that said we were against gun control,” Ailey said. “I decided it’s time it quit talking about it and do it.”
Ailey pointed out at that Michael Walker, an employee of Bill’s Outpost, a firearms and ammunition supplies store located in New Midland Plaza, was instrumental in getting Ailey to step forward to organize the event. Walker also helped set up the rally’s Facebook page and distribute flyers for the event across town.
The flyer requests those who plan to attend to dress professionally and to not bring rifles or shotguns. Those with a valid Tennessee Carry Permit can carry on the property outside the court house, but not inside or on the property of the adjacent city park.
Ailey said Blount County Sheriff James L. Berrong has given his support to Ailey in this endeavor and, in case he can’t make it to the event, has written a letter to be read on his behalf.
“A lot of people think that law enforcement is anti-gun,” Ailey said. “(But) most law enforcement and most military (personnel) are in support of the Second Amendment. That’s what we swore an oath to protect.”
Ailey said Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell will attend and also speak at the rally. Ailey has also invited several state legislators to attend.
“As laws are right now, they don’t need to add anything new,” Ailey said. “We’re against limiting the capacity of magazines that you can own; we’re against limiting the types of guns that you can own.”
