Sheriff Chad Bianco advocates for CCW permits in aftermath of Twin Falls shooting

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) – In the aftermath of a deadly shooting in Twin Falls, Idaho, some gun rights activists are advocating for concealed carry weapons (CCW) permits. 

The shooting at an In-N-Out Burger in Idaho killed three people and hurt seven others. During the shooting, an off-duty state trooper and a private citizen, both armed with handguns, engaged the suspect. Law enforcement praised the actions of the two gun owners and said their presence prevented more people from getting hurt.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco joined in on the calls for more "good guys with guns."

In a post to his Facebook page, he wrote the following:

"My heart goes out to the victims killed and harmed by another coward. It is being reported the shooting was stopped by a hero with a gun. His quote from 2024 on social media: train like your life depends on it, because God forbid, one day it might.”  I issue CCW permits because I know law abiding heroes can protect Riverside County. The only person who can stop a lunatic with a gun is a hero with a gun. I will always fight for Californians and their ability to protect themselves. It’s a God given right, not one granted by government."

Sheriff Bianco has long been an advocate for CCW permits. Last year, he provided statistics for how many permits have been issued under his watch in Riverside County. According to him, only 3,400 permits had been issued before he became sheriff, dating back to the founding of the county. Since he took the spot as the county's top cop, over 60,000 permits were issued under his watch.

Tonight, we're asking the sheriff about the permit process, gun safety, and how big of a role CCW holders play when it comes to stopping violence in the county. Stay tuned for our full report tonight.