SC Gov. McMaster asks lawmakers for action on illegal guns, bond reform

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster held a information convention Tuesday to discuss penalties for individuals who have weapons illegally. He additionally urged legislators towards bond reform.

McMaster was joined by Kevin Cornett, the police chief of Isle of Palms, the chief of the South Carolina Legislation Enforcement Division, and different native officers.

The information convention was scheduled after police mentioned six folks had been harm in a capturing on April 7 at an Isle of Palms seaside. Cornett mentioned a number of folks had been detained for weapons fees, however it was unclear if any of them had been those who fired the gun.

On Tuesday, the governor requested the Normal Meeting to cross laws that will increase the felony penalties in opposition to unlawful gun possession. McMaster mentioned at the least one of many weapons concerned in a capturing in Mount Nice was unlawful as a result of one of many folks current on the time of the crime was below 16 years previous.

“We’re acutely aware of the Second Modification,” McMaster mentioned. “We don’t have to create new criminals. We’ve obtained sufficient of them already. What we have to do is management and maintain these accountable that we catch and we already know.

“What do you inform the household of somebody who had been caught arrested, put in jail as soon as, twice, thrice — who then reveals up and killed the one you love? What do you inform them?” he requested.

Cornett mentioned Tuesday that 2021 marks eight straight years since there’s been a rise in weapons legislation violations. He mentioned in 2021, there have been 9,728 weapons legislation violations — of these, 5,117 had been dedicated by folks below the age of 25.

McMaster additionally requested lawmakers to cross bond reform. He talked about an incident in Richland County the place the suspect accused of capturing and killing a person was out on bond for a homicide cost.

“Now that doesn’t make any sense — to anyone,” McMaster mentioned.

He requested that criminals with critical or violent offenses be given no bond.

The Cox Media Group Nationwide Content material Desk contributed to this report.

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