If you heard the sound of gunshots in your city, you’d probably be alarmed — but for those beyond city limits, it’s not all that uncommon.
That’s because it’s legal to shoot a gun, in every county, across the upstate. By the end of this year, Spartanburg County could become the one exception to that rule.
Amid several complaints from residents, county council members are considering an ordinance that would forbid shooting in “densely populated” areas.
According to council, there have been isolated incidents of people in county subdivisions complaining about their neighbors shooting nearby.
The debate drew an unusually packed house at Monday night’s council meeting. Many went to voice their frustrations about the new proposed change.
“Everybody here, for the most part, is sick to death of their constitutional rights being taken away from them,” said gun owner, Michelle Wiles.
County Council Chairman, Jeff Horton, appointed a new committee on Monday. That committee will look into the issue.
“I would just hope that these individuals cease the activities in the backyard and find a more appropriate place to practice with their weapons,” said Horton.
According to Horton, the ordinance would only effect densely populated residential areas, like most county subdivisions. Residents fear the restrictions could spread in the future.
“You are opening up Spartanburg County to be a gun rights battlefield,” said one concerned resident.
Chairman Horton says the discussion stems from a genuine fear nearby neighbors have for their family’s safety.
He says he’s willing to be their voice, even if it costs him re-election.
“I’ll not only not vote for them — but we’ll find candidates to run against them,” said Wiles.
If the new committee comes up with an ordinance, it would require three readings and a public hearing before being put in place.
That process should take around three months.
