SHELTON - Like several other Washington state sheriff’s this week, Mason County Sheriff Casey Salisbury publicly revealed his leanings on Washington’s new controversial gun law, I-1639.

I-1639 imposes new firearm restrictions on Washington residents that have been the subject of lawsuits challenging its constitutional validity since it passed by about 60 percent of the voters in November. Initiative 1639 raises the age to purchase a semi-automatic rifle from 18 to 21, calls for enhanced background checks, and requires buyers to complete a firearm safety course, among other provisions.

Salisbury released an official statement which reads:

As sheriff of Mason County, I feel it my duty and obligation to address the concerns brought to me by the citizens of our county regarding 1639 (I-1639) 

I have discussed these concerns with Sheriffs from across the state, as well as members of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC).

As law enforcement leaders, we are sworn to uphold the constitution, both federal and state, and to uphold the rule of law. The concerns about the initiative are related to the constitution, and the courts will have the opportunity to rule on the concerns raised. The rule of law is about respecting the voters, the courts, and the law themselves. We will uphold the rule of law and respect the role of the courts in interpreting that law.

Therefore, until the legality of I-1639 is resolved, I instruct my deputies to take no enforcement action as it pertains to I-1639. If you come across such matters in your duties as a Mason County Sheriff’s Deputy you will document the circumstances and, when appropriate, refer the matter to the Mason County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

At least eight other sheriffs in the state have said they will not enforce the law, including Adams, Benton, Franklin, Grays Harbor, Klickitat, Stevens, Wahkiakum, Yakima, Lewis counties.

Less than a month prior to the 2018 General Election, Salisbury expressed disdain for the (at the time) proposed law:

“It appears that it’s against assault rifles, it affects all kinds of rifles that families would normally use to go out and target shoot with their kids,” said Mason County Sheriff incumbent Casey Salisbury. “It’s too encompassing,” he went on to say. “38 sheriffs in Washington state came out against it. Everybody wants our community safer, but when you start eliminating weapons that have been in for future generations, it would put kids in a bad situation. I am very much for safety but it’s negatively impacting communities, rural communities in Mason County which are very separate from King County. It’s not what everybody was for, I am very against it. It was misleading. It prohibits a whole responsible group of people. It’s too encompassing and if you’re not locking it up and its stolen, you’re liable and I disagree with that,” Salisbury said.”