A New York sheriff is asking residents in his county to carry their legal guns in the wake of a mass shooting in California that has reignited a national conversation about gun control

"In light of recent events that have occurred in the United States and around the world I want to encourage citizens of Ulster County who are licensed to carry a firearm to PLEASE DO SO," Ulster County Sheriff Paul J. Van Blarcum wrote on Facebook Thursday. "I urge you to responsibly take advantage of your legal right to carry a firearm."

The message was posted a day after a husband and wife sprayed bullets into a group of people holding a holiday gathering at a San Bernardino social services center. Fourteen people were killed, and at least 21 people were injured in the bloodshed.

Van Blarcum's Facebook post, which also urged active duty and retired officers to carry guns "whenever you leave your house," had been shared more than 28,000 times by Friday afternoon. The post also drew more than 3,000 comments.

Some posters thanked the sheriff, saying his message would help keep the county safe. Others said more firearms would only lead to more violence.

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