HOPKINTON, R.I. (WPRI) — A loud cheer filled Hopkinton Town Hall Monday night as councilors officially declared it a 2nd Amendment Sanctuary Town.
In a vote of 3-2, supporters of gun rights wore yellow shirts and applauded the outcome. Burrillville leaders just passed the same resolution last month.
According to the resolution, town leaders ask the police to “exercise sound discretion” when handling gun-related enforcement. Town leaders will also refuse to pay for storage of guns and equipment confiscated because of any new laws passed at the state level.
Councilors Barbara Capalbo and Sharon Davis were the lone “no” votes in Hopkinton. Capalbo called the resolution a feel-good measure and said it was unenforceable.
Kat Kerwin with the Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence said sanctuary declarations demonize advocacy groups.
“What 2nd amendment advocates are advocating for is for law enforcement to cherry pick laws they want to obey,” Kerwin said. “Not only is it a bad idea its not something municipalities should do or really can do.”
State Senator Elaine Morgan called on all of the towns she represents (Hopkinton, Charlestown, Exeter, Richmond, West Greenwich) to pass similar sanctuary resolutions earlier this month as the gun debate continues at the State House.
“It is imperative that these five historic towns as our local police departments and town council members work together in preserving and maintaining our freedom and constitutional rights,” Morgan said.
Foster and Glocester are slated to take up the resolution within a week.
