CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – After weeks of consideration, Montgomery County commissioners voted down a resolution asking the Tennessee legislature to oppose, protest and challenge any legislation that restricts the 2nd Amendment during the upcoming special session on gun violence.

Commissioner Nathan Burkholder had sponsored the resolution and asked for the commission’s support to “reassert the fact that Montgomery County values 2nd Amendment rights” during the informal meeting on Aug. 7.

RELATED: Senior Tax Freeze income limit raised to $60,000 in Montgomery County

Burkholder said it was important for Gov. Bill Lee and the General Assembly to understand the county’s opinion on the matter through this symbolic gesture.

During the informal meeting, Commissioner Rashidah Leverett asked what the difference between the resolution in front of them and a previous resolution passed in March 2020 that expressed the county’s support for the 2nd Amendment.

Burkholder said he wanted to show the county hasn’t changed its stance.

However, when the topic was voted on Monday, the resolution failed in a 9-9 tie. The proposal needed 11 votes to pass, according to county staff during the meeting.

Voting no were Commissioners Leverett, Jeremiah Walker, Joe Creek, Carmelle Chandler, Walker Woodruff, Lisa Prichard, Chris Rasnic, Ryan Gallant and David Shelton.

Voting yes were Commissioners Jason Knight, Rickey Ray, Michael Lankford, Burkholder, Jorge Padro, Joshua Beal, David Harper, Billy Frye and Autumn Simmons.

Commissioners John Gannon, Joe Smith and Tangi Smith were not present.

Following the meeting, the Montgomery County Democratic Party sent a statement to Clarksville Now saying they are looking forward to engaging in thoughtful discussion about how to promote gun safety in local communities.