Newport News City Council votes to further restrict weapons in city buildings

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — A dozen citizens came forward during Tuesday’s Newport News City Council meeting, unanimously urging the council not to adopt a resolution that would prevent concealed carrying of weapons in city buildings.

However, the City Council voted 6-1 to adopt the proposed ordinance, with only Councilman John R. Eley III voting in opposition.

The code section previously stated that no one would be allowed to openly possess weapons in these locations. The new ordinance deletes the word “openly,” meaning concealed carry permit holders would also not be permitted to carry their weapons.

The new ordinance specifies that this applies to buildings owned or used by the city, or any authority or entity created or controlled by the city, for governmental purposes.

The new code section also provides that the city may implement security measures designed to prevent unauthorized access to people carrying weapons. Technology such as metal detectors would be included.

Wearing orange stickers and buttons saying “Guns Save Lives” and applauding their fellow speakers, many speakers invoked the Second Amendment and said they wanted to be able to protect themselves in the event of someone wishing to do them harm.

“This is not just banning guns in city buildings; this is hampering my safety,” Michael Shapiro said. “Please do not vote to make this change.”

Resident Steve Ferguson said he believed even the prior ordinance was unconstitutional.

“I believe the current ordinance you’re changing tonight is unconstitutional in regards to the Second Amendment, and now this council would like to go further to infringe on law-abiding citizens’ rights,” Ferguson said. “I would encourage the council to protect the rights of the people you were elected to serve.”

“From my view, this is more of a form of control than a worry for your citizens’ safety,” resident Amy Marshall said. She also encouraged the council to wait until after the holidays to be able to hear from more people before making a decision.

Some speakers brought up the May 31, 2019, mass shooting in Virginia Beach, when a disgruntled city employee entered Building 2 of the Virginia Beach Municipal Center and shot 16 people, killing 12 of them.

Councilman Cleon Long pointed out that the ordinance sets up the possibility of metal detectors.

“All of our city buildings will have some form of protection,” he said. “We’re trying to take a proactive approach.”

Mayor Phillip Jones, who said he is a concealed carry permit holder also, added that it was about safety.

“The safety and security of citizens, of employees, and residents, is top of mind,” he said. “All I think about is how we can increase the safety and security of this place.”

Jones said some members of City Council have received credible death threats, and he also referenced this summer’s assassination attempts against then-candidate, now President-elect Donald Trump.

Jones said this ordinance came at the recommendation of a security audit the city requested from the Department of Homeland Security.

Councilman Eley, the only member to vote against the change, said, “I do believe people should have the right to carry their gun where they want to carry their gun. I want to be able to defend myself. That’s my American right.”