Teller County passes resolution in support of 2nd Amendment rights

In front of a packed house Thursday morning, Teller County commissioners passed a resolution to protect their 2nd Amendment rights to keep and bear arms for all citizens.

At least four Colorado counties have declared themselves Second Amendment sanctuaries in response to the red-flag gun bill passed by the state House on Monday and headed to the state Senate. However, Teller County does not want to be referred to as a ‘sanctuary.’

Commissioners said the word sanctuary comes with too much “baggage.”

Board Chairman, Norm Steen says, “It’s so broad, broadly defined. We didn’t think it was helpful. It wasn’t constructive. That’s why when we went right back to our source of what us officials take our oath to.”

Resolutions like this don’t change any laws but they are symbolic to show that the county stands behind their sheriff if the legislation is passed.

Steen says, “It defends the right of Teller County law enforcement to abide by the authority given to them by the U.S. Constitution.”

This resolution begs the question, what happens to law enforcement agencies who don’t enforce the red flag law if it’s passed? Commander Greg Couch, spokesperson for the Teller County Sheriff’s office expressed some concern.

He says, “we’ll have to cross that bridge when and if it happens. It will place us in a pretty difficult situation as this legislation has been written.”

The resolution was passed unanimously.