As debates rage across the nation about gun control, Stokes County Sheriff Mike Marshall made something clear over the weekend — he will not support any federal action which he believes to be in violation of the Constitution.

Sheriff Marshall said he has received numerous calls over the past several weeks from people wanting to know his position on proposed gun control measures. So this weekend, the sheriff made his position clear via the social media site Facebook.

Marshall, who has more than 4,200 “friends” or followers on his personal page, posted Sunday that he was “making it clear that no law that violates the Constitution will be upheld in this county.” He continued that this especially applied to new gun control that President Barack Obama and others “are trying to push onto the American people.”

“My office will not comply with any federal action which violates the United States Constitution or the North Carolina Constitution which I swore (to) uphold,” he said.

The status quickly received numerous comments of support, especially from fellow Republicans and conservatives. As of Tuesday morning, the status had more than 260 “likes.”

Marshall’s name has been included on a list of 270 some sheriffs across the nation who are said to have made public statements “committing to protect their citizens’ 2nd Amendment rights.” The list is compiled and maintained by the conservative Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association, founded by former sheriff Richard Mack who frequently speaks at Tea Party rallies.

Following the shooting tragedy in Newtown, Conn., President Obama called for bans on “military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines” in a package of steps aimed at reducing gun violence. The plan also calls for the background check system to be strengthened.

The Stokes sheriff said that though specific laws have not been passed down to the state yet, ultimately he will maintain his oath to the Constitution.

Marshall also posted Sunday online: “Sheriff’s are obligated to enforce the law, and the supreme law of the land is the Constitution.”

King City Council

The King City Council could soon consider a resolution that states the council’s support for protecting citizens’ Second Amendment rights.

Council member Brian Carico brought it up at the council’s Feb. 4 meeting. Carico said he had spoken with many citizens who asked if there was anything they could do locally to fight the “attack” on Constitutional rights and the Second Amendment. While they are limited, Carico said the council could put together a resolution calling for the protection of citizens’ rights. He asked the council to consider this.

“We’re as much a part of the problem if we don’t do what we can,” stated Carico.

Mayor Jack Warren asked the town clerk to find some sample resolutions for the board to look over.