On Nov. 6, Washington voters approved the anti-gun initiative I-1639. This new law increases the age to purchase semi-auto rifles and requires specific storage of firearms. However, a Washington police chief claimed he won’t enforce this new law.

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Republic Police Department Chief Loren Culp plans to make his city a “gun sanctuary” by not enforcing the gun control initiative. In fact, Culp disagrees with the entire initiative, saying it will only restrict law-biding citizens. He is particularly against the part that raises the age to 21 to purchase semi-auto rifles.

“They can vote, they can serve in the military, but they’re not allowed to buy firearms,” Culp said to iFiber One News. “How can you tell an 18 to 21-year-old who’s fresh out of the military and has been firing the most advanced weapons we have that they can’t buy a 10/22 rifle?”

Additionally, Culp is urging the Republic city council to pass an ordinance against I-1639. He has even drafted the resolution he wishes them to approve. The ordinance would make Republic a “gun sanctuary” in the Evergreen State.

Washington Police Chief Resolution

“An ORDINANCE of the City of Republic, which shall be known and may be cited as the “2nd Amendment Sanctuary City Ordinance.” To prevent federal and state infringement on the right to keep and bear arms; nullifying all federal and state acts in violation of the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and Article 1 Section 24 of the Washington State Constitution.”

Culp’s resolution also states the wording of the 2nd Amendment and the Washington State Constitution. Both protect gun rights of individuals, according to Culp. The bill would prevent enforcement of the law in Republic.

Additionally, the resolution requests other local jurisdictions to pass a similar ordinance. It also urges action by the state government to eliminate this law.

Now, it is hard to determine how this will play. Anti-gunners will be against Culp because they want to limit access to firearms. However, some pro-gunners might be against his actions as well, citing that law enforcement are supposed to enforce laws, not determine which laws to enforce. The courts will probably decide whether Culp’s actions are legal, even if the city council passes the ordinance.