WASHOUGAL, Wash. (KOIN) — Some Washougal residents are taking the first steps to become a Second Amendment Sanctuary City.

Supporters gathered at a city council meeting Monday night to urg leaders to protect their gun rights.

The trend of “sanctuary status” for the Second Amendment is something that’s popping up more across the country. At least one other town in Washington is looking to do the same thing along with a few counties in New Mexico.

In Washougal, nothing has been formally introduced by the city but quite a few people hope to change that.

Washington recently passed initiative 1639, which placed new age restrictions on semi-automatic rifle purchases, expanded background checks and required secure firearm storage. Pushback came almost immediately.

Washougal residents and a familiar face sat shoulder to shoulder, demanding city councilors protect their constitutional rights.

“We want to give power to you guys, the city council, and less power to Seattle and Olympia,” Patriot Prayer leader Joey Gibson said. “So that’s all we’re asking for.”

The sanctuary idea is something Eric Hargrave, owner of Limitless America, has taken to heart. He even drafted a resolution of sorts.

“If we lose our Second Amendment rights, we lose everything,” Hargrave said.

As lawsuits surrounding initiative 1639 make their way through the courts, Hargrave said it all boils down to the constitution. 

“The big thing people need to realize is that as us citizens, we’re in a constitutional republic. Period,” he said. “Everything that’s against the constitution is null and void.” 

After Monday’s meeting ended, Mayor Molly Coston told KOIN 6 News she was impressed with the speakers and some of the points they brought up.

One councilor is asking the city attorney to look into what something like this would mean.