Major law enforcement figures in California have voiced their concerns over the new gun control laws signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, suggesting they might not be effective in curbing violence.

Fresno County officials, including Sheriff John Zanoni and District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp, have criticized the recent gun control bills.

The primary focus of their criticism is Senate Bill 2, which makes it more challenging for residents to obtain concealed carry permits.

Both Zanoni and Smittcamp believe that the new law doesn't address the real issue: the majority of gun crimes are committed by individuals with illegally obtained firearms.

They argue that lawful gun owners are not the primary culprits behind gun-related crimes.

Details of the new gun control measures

Senate Bill 2, once in effect, will require new gun owners to undergo 16 hours of training and provide at least two references to get their concealed carry licenses.

Additionally, the bill places further restrictions on where these license holders can carry their weapons, Fox News reported.

While both officials have committed to enforcing the law, they question its effectiveness in preventing gun-related crimes. Smittcamp stated, "This law is not going to make people safer. It just isn’t."

Backing her statement, she mentioned that less than two percent of gun crimes in the U.S. are committed by lawful gun owners. Zanoni echoed her sentiments, emphasizing that the real culprits, such as convicted felons and gang members, won't be deterred by these new restrictions.

Concerns about the real culprits

Zanoni highlighted that many of those arrested for gun crimes, including convicted felons and gang members, are released from jail on the same day of their arrest. He believes that these individuals should be the primary targets of stricter gun laws and sentencing guidelines, rather than lawful concealed carry permit holders.

Further, Zanoni expressed concerns about the resources required to enforce the new law. He believes the extended process for obtaining concealed carry permits will strain law enforcement resources, requiring more in-depth investigations.

Smittcamp accused Gov. Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta of misleading the public about the nature of gun crime. She believes they are giving the impression that lawful gun owners are the main perpetrators of gun-related crimes, which she strongly disputes.

Additional gun control measures

Beyond Senate Bill 2, Newsom signed another law that will double the taxes on guns and ammunition in California. While the federal government imposes an 11% excise tax on firearm and ammo purchases, Newsom's new law will add an additional 11% tax. This means residents could end up paying as much as 22% in taxes for these items.

Smittcamp's office, when contacted by Fox News Digital, did not immediately provide a comment on these developments.

It's clear that the debate on gun control in California is far from over. With law enforcement officials voicing their concerns, it remains to be seen how effective these new measures will be in ensuring public safety.

Conclusion and reflections

• Major law enforcement figures in California have expressed concerns over the new gun control laws introduced by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
• Senate Bill 2, in particular, has been criticized for targeting lawful gun owners rather than those who commit the majority of gun crimes.
• Officials believe that the new laws might strain law enforcement resources and may not effectively curb gun-related violence.
• Alongside Senate Bill 2, Newsom introduced another law doubling the taxes on guns and ammunition in the state.

We encourage our readers to share this article on Twitter and Facebook a to foster informed discussions on this pressing issue.