Sheriff Mike Boudreaux (Screenshot)

Tulare County, California Sheriff Mike Boudreaux is encouraging all concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit holders in his community to exercise their rights to defend themselves and others against active shooters.

Reacting to mass shootings in the U.S., Sheriff Boudreaux posted a message on Twitter August 6, calling for those who legally own firearms and CCW permits to “protect life” against active shooters:

“I encourage all CCW holders in Tulare County to exercise your rights. Do so legally and only with a valid permit. Secure our communities and protect life by being able to defend ourselves against active shooters, threats to life and those who use guns for criminal behavior.”

“We need to level the playing field,” Sheriff Boudreaux said in a follow-up statement to “America’s 1st Freedom.”

Law-abiding gun owners don’t commit mass shootings, Boudreaux said, responding to critics: