Radford Becomes Second Amendment Sanctuary City
The Radford City Council voted 3–2 on February 23 to designate Radford a Second Amendment Sanctuary City. Wohlford, Gillespie, and Artrip voted in favor; Mayor Horton and Foster voted against.
On February 23, 2026, the Radford City Council voted 3–2 to designate the City of Radford as a Second Amendment Sanctuary. The motion was introduced by Councilman Guy Wohlford and seconded by Vice-Mayor Seth Gillespie.
Council members Wohlford, Gillespie, and Artrip voted in favor, while Mayor David Horton and Councilwoman Jessie Foster opposed the measure.
The resolution cites U.S. Supreme Court precedents and the Virginia Constitution, declaring that Radford will not use public funds to restrict Second Amendment rights or assist agencies in enforcing measures deemed unconstitutional.
Proponents argued the resolution honors the Constitution and deters crime, noting a large percentage of Virginia jurisdictions have adopted similar resolutions. Opponents, including Mayor Horton, raised concerns about "Dillon's Rule" — which limits local government powers — and warned the resolution could jeopardize state grant funding for the police department.
Following the vote, Radford Sheriff Mark Armentrout publicly affirmed his support, stating his office would not use resources to enforce laws that unconstitutionally restrict citizens' rights.
A similar resolution was proposed in 2019 but failed to receive a second motion, and the council instead sent a letter to state representatives.