A congressional candidate in the packed primary for the Houston area’s 22nd Congressional District is in hot water after a video showed him railing against gun owners at a chamber of commerce meeting in 2016.

Sheriff Troy Nehls of Fort Bend County is one of 15 Republican candidates who has entered the crowded race to replace U.S. Rep. Pete Olson in Congress, who announced his retirement last year.

Nehls has served as Fort Bend County’s sheriff since being elected in 2012.

In a new video released by the National Association for Gun Rights, Nehls is shown taking aim at gun owners and the legislature after licensed open carry passed the legislature in 2015.

 

“Shame on you,” Nehls says, referring to the legislature’s actions.

“You shouldn’t allow a weapon at a library, and you shouldn’t allow a weapon at the central appraisal district. If you think for one minute I’m gonna allow anybody to walk into [that] office … with a weapon? Ain’t no way. Come down and arrest me. No, what you’d have to do is sue me for $1,500/day, ’cause I’m not letting anyone in [that building] with a weapon carried openly. Forget it!”

In the video, Nehls also goes after the carrying of firearms in churches, an action which saved countless lives recently at the White Settlement Church shooting, which was stopped by an armed congregant.

The revelation is not the first time Nehls’ recent past has come back to haunt his campaign. Nehls has also taken fire for his opposition to laws banning sanctuary cities for illegal aliens in Texas.

Early voting is ongoing in the primary election, with Election Day on March 3.

Brandon Waltens

Brandon serves as the Senior Editor for Texas Scorecard. After managing successful campaigns for top conservative legislators and serving as a Chief of Staff in the Texas Capitol, Brandon moved outside the dome in order to shine a spotlight on conservative victories and establishment corruption in Austin. @bwaltens

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