As Sheriff of Louisa County and a Constitutional Officer sworn to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, I want to address concerns regarding proposed and newly enacted legislation related to so-called “assault weapons.”

I have always been a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and the rights it guarantees to law-abiding citizens. Our Founding Fathers considered these rights so essential that they placed them second only to the freedoms protected by the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights. The right to keep and bear arms remains a fundamental constitutional liberty that must be protected.

I will not support efforts that turn otherwise law-abiding citizens into criminals, subjecting them to potentially lifelong consequences for exercising what they believe to be their constitutional rights. Any law that directly conflicts with the Constitution deserves careful scrutiny and judicial review before enforcement actions are taken against responsible citizens.

At this time, I believe there remains significant confusion surrounding the definition of an “assault weapon.” I am not convinced there is a clear, consistent, and universally understood definition of what constitutes an assault weapon under current discussions and proposals. This lack of clarity creates uncertainty for citizens, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and the courts alike.

Ultimately, a firearm is an inanimate object. A weapon used by a criminal during the commission of a violent crime may be labeled an “assault weapon.” Yet the very same firearm used by an innocent citizen to defend themselves, their family, or their property could just as accurately be described as a defensive weapon. The determining factor is not the firearm itself—it is who pulled the trigger and why.

My position is straightforward: the focus should remain on violent criminals and criminal behavior, not on restricting the constitutional rights of responsible citizens.

I also believe there should be a final and definitive determination by the courts, including the United States Supreme Court if necessary, regarding the constitutionality and enforceability of any such legislation. Citizens deserve clarity, and law enforcement officers deserve clear legal guidance.

As a Constitutional Officer, my oath is not to a political party, a legislative body, or a particular policy position. My oath is to the Constitution. Any law that is ultimately determined to be in direct contradiction to the Constitution cannot stand and should not be considered enforceable.

The Louisa County Sheriff’s Office will continue to protect the rights of our citizens while remaining committed to public safety, the rule of law, and the principles upon which this nation was founded.