Push to ban guns on Hopewell City property sparks tension

HOPEWELL, Va. (WRIC) — Firearms may soon be banned from Hopewell city property, with the fate of a proposed ordinance lying in the hands of Hopewell City Council.

Should the ordinance pass, firearms would be prohibited on city property including buildings, parks, recreation and community centers.

Those exempt include on-duty law enforcement officers, retired law enforcement officers, authorized security personnel, active-duty military personnel and individuals with firearms secured in their vehicles.

Those who are licensed to carry a firearm are not included in the exemption list.

"It doesn't make you safer to take away the ability to protect yourself," said Philip Van Cleave, president of the Virginia Citizens Defense League," Some of the people that have permits have threats against them... How should they feel being disarmed? It's good that we've got the police [but] I've been a deputy sheriff, I've been on this side of a bench, but I also knew that I couldn't be everywhere at once."

Van Cleave was one of many who expressed concern against the proposed ordinance at Hopewell's City Council meeting Tuesday evening.

"The ordinance that you are considering does nothing but take away the rights of law-abiding citizens," one speaker said. "It's not going to stop the criminal from doing anything. The criminal doesn't care about your ordinance, doesn't care about your science, all they care about is doing what they want."

"Instead of having the right to carry firearms, we should focus on addressing the root causes of our societal problems, namely mental health care, housing solutions, and community support systems," another speaker said. "A comprehensive approach that includes providing mental health services, social services and adequate housing could create a safer environment for all members of our community rather than stripping citizens of their rights with this work."

The public comment period was originally set for 30 minutes but there was a motion to extend it which was approved to accommodate more to speak.

The ordinance was listed lower on the agenda but a motion was also brought by councilmembers to discuss it after the public comment period.

Vice Mayor Rita Joyner explained a portion of the proposed ordinance placed on the agenda was not intended to be.

"A portion of this particular ordinance was never intended. Our city attorney looked at other cities and looked at some of the ordinances that they passed and used the other cities as a template," Joyner said. "He has prepared a substitute ordinance that does not include parks at all. It was never my intention when I initiated this to include parks. I'm only interested in city buildings.... I am a Second Amendment supporter, but I do feel that this has to do with public safety."

Some members of council opposed the matter. Councilman Dominic Holloway voiced his dismay following Joyner's comments.

"Luke 11 and 21 says, 'when a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe.' The scripture there—and there's probably about 16 more to pop off the top of my mind that I have to be righteously against not having the right to bear arms," Councilman Holloway said. "It is not unconstitutional, but it is definitely against scriptures for us to do these things. Our bodies are at the temples. This is my house."

City officials said council will discuss the matter in two weeks during the next regular council meeting scheduled for June 24.

This is a developing story. Stick with 8News for updates.