Maryland Sheriff Refuses to Enforce Gun Control Laws

  |  
Mar 4, 2019

Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis is standing up to gun control coming from Annapolis.

In a statement made to Delmarva Now, Lewis argues that lawmakers are punishing residents across the state for Baltimore’s rampant crime.  The sheriff added:

“Law-abiding citizens are repeatedly being penalized because of Baltimore City’s inability to control their crime. And I’m sorry — I’m not someone’s puppet. I’m going to stand up for what I think is unjust and unconstitutional to the American people, including those living in the state in Maryland.” And I’m sorry — I’m not someone’s puppet. I’m going to stand up for what I think is unjust and unconstitutional to the American people, including those living in the state in Maryland.”

Lewis made his intentions about nullifying unconstitutional laws clear:

“We’re gonna let them know that we are sick and tired of being penalized for Baltimore City’s inability to control crime. If these bills pass, we will not comply.”

According to a Police One story, Maryland’s House Bill 786 “would regulate shotguns and hunting rifles similarly to handguns.” In other words, a license will be needed for owning a long gun. Additionally, all long gun sales and purchases would be subject to universal gun registration. Although HB 786 does not call for full-blown gun confiscation, “it does allow the Department of State Police to create regulations to carry out the law.”

Sheriff Lewis reiterated his commitment to refusing to enforce HB 786 and said that he “will stand up against it” should it become law.

What’s happening in Maryland is very similar to how New Mexico sheriffs are confronting gun control bills in the state legislature. States like Oregon have also spearheaded “Second Amendment Preservation Ordinances” to counter statewide attempts to enforce draconian gun control.

This appears to be the go-to strategy for gun owners living in rabidly anti-gun states. These states tend to be dominated by massive urban centers whose elected officials have no clue how life operates outside of the urban bubble.

Law enforcement must remember that they have an obligation to only execute constitutional laws. Laws that violate the constitution should always be rejected and not enforced.