CULPEPER, Va. (AP) – A Virginia sheriff has vowed to deputize county residents if the new Democratic majority in the state legislature passes gun control measures.

Culpeper Sheriff Scott Jenkins made the vow at a meeting where the Culpeper Board of Supervisors unanimously agreed to declare the county a Second Amendment sanctuary.

That aligns Culpeper with Alleghany, Roanoke and Halifax and Pittsylvania counties, which have all voted to defend gun rights against the controls expected to come from Gov. Ralph Northam and other Democratic leaders.

Although Democrats say their goal is to go after some high-powered guns and not all guns, some gun rights supporters are skeptical.

Ultimately, though, even many Republicans admit county-level rules won’t be able to thwart the General Assembly.