A Florida sheriff wants people with valid concealed carry permits to be ready at all times.
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey posted to the department's Facebook page that people can’t afford to sit back and wait for the next act of terrorism.
"Now more than ever is the time for our citizens to be prepared to serve as the first line of defense... when an attack happens," Ivey says in the post. He also says that he knows he is "probably one of the most politically incorrect sheriffs in the country" and that he is fine with that reputation.
The sheriff also says he knows this may be a controversial topic for some, but that thinking it won't happen to you and not being prepared won't save your life.
“The solution is, if you're going to carry a gun, then go practice to save your life with it. If you're not someone who's comfortable carrying a gun, or don't believe you would be comfortable defending your life, then look for an alternative solution.”
Ivey says that alternative could be pepper spray, stun guns, or other weapons.
Ivey also encouraged residents to visit his website for the “4 A’s:” Awareness, Avoidance, Arm and Attack, as well as a course on self-defense through tactical shooting and decision making.
The Facebook post already has more than 2,400 shared, 1,400 reactions more more than 150 comments.