We, the undersigned, oppose any resolution or declaration officially designating Garrett County as a Second Amendment Sanctuary County and request the County Commissioners take no position on any requests.                                                       

We believe such a designation would be a negative branding of Garrett County, potentially threatening our local economy in tourism and efforts to attract new businesses/job development. Such a designation is merely symbolic, vague, and could lead to confusion about law enforcement in Garrett County. It could lead to a wide variety of major legal and liability situations involving local citizens and law enforcement. There is no legal basis for declaring a "sanctuary".

Maryland has established good firearm laws that have been ruled constitutional. Local governments are not afforded the power to simply ignore state laws they don't agree with, or give the impression of selective law enforcement. They can voice their disagreement and lobby for change, but they cannot refuse to enforce the law.

The Garrett County Commissioners took no position on a similar request in 2013. Nothing has changed to warrant such a declaration in 2020. We request the Commissioners maintain the same position.