CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. — It’s becoming a growing trend across the country and in North Carolina, now 11 counties in the NBC Charlotte viewing area have either passed or are talking about becoming Second Amendment sanctuaries.
The declaration is meant to protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners, regardless of what happens on a state or federal level.
So far, Gaston, Lincoln, Catawba, Alexander, Cleveland, Iredell, Ashe, Stanly, Union and Rowan Counties have either passed or discussed Second Amendment Sanctuary resolutions.
Cabarrus County leaders also passed a resolution in support of the Second Amendment. During Tuesday night's county commissioners meeting, 15 citizens spoke in favor of the resolution, which is a promise to protect law-abiding gun owners in the county.
"I think it's a sad state that we have to stand here and ask for a resolution to uphold those things," Catherine Long said.
The Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted in favor of a Second Amendment resolution — notably not using the term "sanctuary."
Cabarrus County Sheriff Van Shaw said he was in favor of the resolution and added he supported not calling the county a Second Amendment "sanctuary." He said that word could be confused with the immigration debate and give the wrong idea to people.
Sheriff Shaw didn't want people thinking Cabarrus County was a sanctuary for gun owners who don't have to follow gun laws. He said his county will uphold the law but will respect and honor the Second Amendment.
"I'm not going to vote against supporting the constitution. So whether they had been here or not to speak about it, I took an oath to support the constitution which includes the Second Amendment," Commissioner Diane Honeycutt said.
Commissioners made a late addition and vowed it was a fair process even to those who may disagree.
"It’s not just here in North Carolina, it’s a nationwide thing,” said Barbara Strang, a candidate for county commissioner and gun advocate.
Around 1,500 people had signed an online petition in favor of the county becoming a Second Amendment sanctuary.
"It shows that our county, officially, formally, supports the Second Amendment community," said one resident in support of the resolution.
Strang said commissioners have been sent several different drafts of a resolution. She said before the meeting their lack of action is concerning to gun owners.
“It’s a constitutional right and it’s a God-given right and it’s something our citizens don't want to be taken away," Strang said. "They're fearful they won't protect their Second Amendment rights."
In Catawba County, Sheriff Don Brown announced he supports the resolution.
The resolutions hold no legal status, they're more ceremonial, but the national nonprofit organization The Brady Campaign says it's an alarming trend and can be a threat to public safety.
"If they take this to its furthest level, if we take this to its logical conclusion, people will die because they are not doing their jobs,” Christian Heyne said.