Missouri sheriff vows to keep gun-owner data from FBI

As the FBI conducts audits into Missouri's issuance of concealed-carry permits, one county sheriff refuses to hand over information on gun owners in his constituency.

“As the sheriff of Scotland County, I want all my citizens to know that I will not allow, cooperate or release any CCW information to the FBI, even at the threat of a federal arrest,” said Scotland County Sheriff Bryan Whitney, according to the Epoch Times.

“Point blank, I will go down with the ship if need be," he said. However he may not need to follow through on his pledge as the FBI denies it is seeking access to the information the sheriff has vowed to protect.

“At no point would auditors require access to lists such as state-approved concealed carry holders, nor would the CJIS Division retain information beyond what is necessary to address a specific compliance concern,” the bureau said.

Missouri is a constitutional carry state and therefore does not require residents to have a permit before openly or discreetly carrying a firearm for self-defense. It does, however, continue to issue concealed carry permits for the purpose of interstate travel.

The FBI audit comes after the leak of gun-owner data from the California Department of Justice revealed the personal information of concealed-carry permit applicants from 2011 through 2021.