From Melissa Ripepi:
Hello everyone,
On November 25th, the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors heard public comments on the issue of making Montgomery County a second amendment sanctuary (SAS), signaling “an intent that public funds not go to restricting 2nd amendment rights” (Roanoke Times). The vast majority of those who spoke were in favor. Those who spoke out against were met with both jeers and threats. This is an issue gun rights advocates have been quietly and successfully pushing through in counties (in 35 of our 95 thus far) across the commonwealth (please see: “List of second amendment sanctuaries in virginia and where it is being discussed”). The move is in response to the recognition that the statewide political climate is shifting towards common sense gun regulations that would work to protect public safety and promote public health. In other states SAS has been used to help shield localities from the enforcement of red flag laws, child access prevention, and safe storage laws. Roanoke county is one of the latest to fall in line. During the public comment there, 20 spoke out; only 3 advocated against the action.
On December 16th, this issue is on the board agenda for the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors meeting. Local organizers are working to fill the room with individuals who recognize the 2nd Amendment Sanctuary action as a threat against public safety. If you are interested in going or learning more, you can respond to me and I will let you know more details about the meeting as they become available. I know this is a crazy time of year and everyone is overwhelmed with school, work, and family. I know you all have probably discerned this, but it is still worth saying that this is why these actions are being brought forth now: to prey on our demands of time in order to ensure the absence of our voices. If you know others for whom this issue is important, please feel free to share.
Thank you. I hope you are all well.
Best regards,
Melissa