At the February 10th public hearing, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors will consider an ordinance banning firearms in certain public places. Second Amendment supporters are encouraged to OPPOSE Item 05 on the agenda. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting is to be held electronically. Citizens may sign-up to speak remotely over phone or video conference no later than noon, February 10th. Information may be found here.
In addition, you may click the “Take Action” button below to contact Board of Supervisors members directly.
Item 05 prohibits firearms, ammunition, and components in county owned public buildings, public parks, and recreational centers, as well as parts of buildings being used for governmental purposes. There is an exemption for concealed handgun permit holders to conceal carry certain types of firearms in parks only. While there is an exemption for storing such items in locked vehicles, they must be secured out of sight. Because this ban includes “components,” citizens may find themselves in legal trouble for accidentally entering one of these “gun-free zones” with something as simple as a shell casing forgotten in a pocket or accidentally left in view in a vehicle.
The only enforcement mechanism guaranteed in the proposed ordinance is to post signs notifying of the prohibition at all entrances at such properties. There is no mandate that the county must keep disarmed citizens safe by providing active measures, such as metal detectors or security guards, to exclude armed criminals from these “gun-free zones.”
Again, please contact the Board of Supervisors and ask them to OPPOSE Item 05.