THE SHERIFF APPEARED ON FOX NEWS THURSDAY NIGHT ON THEIR 11 PM REPORT
And McDonald said on Fox News the roundtable that he participated in on Thursday in the nation's capitol with the president and others was more than a photo op. There had been some serious mistakes made in the Florida shooting, said McDonald, and the lone armed deputy on the scene at the school during the shooting, who reportedlly remained outside and never went into the school building during the incident, may have been overwhelmed or as McDonald pointed out may not have been trained properly.
Sheriff McDonald told the Fox New's nationwide audience Thursday night that there are a lot of factors involved in gun safety, including the mental health issue...and he acknowledged that we have had our own mental health challenges here in North Carolina.
Overall, he said, he believes President Trump is looking at the right things with suggestions for gun safety and he believes the roundtable discussion held Thursday, with the president, the attorney general, and others in Washington, D.C. was worthwhile
(By Larry Freeman Updated 11:30 PM 02/22/18)
From earlier reports:
Washington, D.C. – On Thursday, Henderson County Sheriff Charles S. McDonald attended a school safety roundtable at the White House with President Donald Trump, State and local leaders, law enforcement officers, and education officials.
Sheriff McDonald, one of 12 attendees to the event, spoke with President Trump, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, and others about addressing the need for school security measures in light of the recent shooting in Parkland, Florida. The event was part of an ongoing initiative from the White House to receive feedback on gun safety measures from local officials.
“I appreciate the opportunity to bring a local perspective from western North Carolina to what has become a national conversation,” said Sheriff McDonald. “School security is a multi-faceted issue that is going to take cooperation from numerous stakeholders to bring about change and enhance the safety of our children. I would like to thank President Trump and especially Congressman Mark Meadows for their invitation to share ideas concerning this important issue. Congressman Meadows has always been a great supporter and friend to sheriffs across North Carolina. I want to acknowledge his leadership and thank him for his ongoing support for law enforcement across our great state.”
“I can think of no better individual or professional to represent our district’s schools and law enforcement at the White House than Sheriff Charles McDonald,” Rep. Meadows (R-NC) said. “I’m thrilled that our district had the opportunity to give direct input, straight to the President of the United States, on the issue of keeping our schools, students, and teachers safe. I want to thank Sheriff McDonald for making the trip to Washington, D.C. to speak, the President for his kind invitation, and the White House for hosting the event. No matter where you stand on the issue of gun safety, one principle remains true: the willingness to listen and directly involve American citizens in the conversation is a major part of what makes America great.”
