Sheriff Declares Stephens a “Second Amendment Sanctuary County”

by Elizabeth Pitts-Hibbard

County Sheriffs across the state of Oklahoma took up their pens last week to declare their jurisdictions to be “Second Amendment Sanctuary Counties,” among them, Stephens County Sheriff Wayne McKinney.

The Declaration, issued by McKinney’s office on Thursday, articulates his intent to oppose any infringement of the Second Amendment rights of Stephens County citizens, as well as his opposition to any public funds being used by other agencies to restrict those rights.

In doing so, McKinney joined sheriffs from Bryan, Logan, Canadian, Haskell and Pittsburg counties who issued similar declarations.

The declaration was met with support by Representative Brad Boles and Senator Paul Scott, as well as District Attorney Jason Hicks.

The text of the declaration reads:

“LET IT BE KNOWN that the Stephens County Sheriff hereby declares his intent to oppose any and all infringements on the rights and liberties of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms, using such legal means as may be expedient, including, without limitation, court action, and

LET IT BE KNOWN that the Stephens County Sheriff hereby expresses his intent that no public funds will be used in any manner to restrict the Second Amendment rights of the citizens of Stephens County, or to aid federal, state, or any municipal agencies in the restriction of said rights, and

LET IT BE KNOWN the undersigned Stephens County Sheriff hereby declares Stephens County as a “Second Amendment Sanctuary County” on February 13, 2020.

NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE KNOWN that while the Stephens County Sheriff has so declared Stephens County, Oklahoma, a “Second Amendment Sanctuary County” and also engages the Stephens County Board of Commissioners in respectfully recommending and petitioning their affirmative resolution of unqualified support for this declaration.

Signed under constitutional and legislative authority as the senior law enforcement officer in Stephens County Oklahoma this 13th day of February, 2020.

Sheriff Wayne McKinney

Stephens County, Oklahoma”

Adoption of a resolution to make a similar declaration was included on the agenda of Tuesday’s regular meeting of the Stephens County Board of Directors.