Nathan Clark, city councilman for Portsmouth, Virginia, wore his AR-15 to the 2nd Amendment sanctuary vote to show support for gun rights. Clark’s choice to do so without warning anyone ahead of time ruffled some feathers.

Vice Mayor Lucas-Burke expressed his disproval to the council Thursday morning saying most “were blindsided by the display.”

Councilman Shannon Glover also criticized Clark’s move, “I am saddened by this event that had brought on additional local and negative press. I do not need any of you to respond if it is not going to be constructive.”

In private emails, Lucas-Burke agreed with Glover, asking for an apology from Clark.

“I do not believe that Councilman Clark needs to apologize for exercising his right as a law enforcement officer to carry his weapon to a public meeting. I can appreciate liberals’ knee jerk reactions, but if they have a problem with the law, they should use the system they now control to change it,” said Councilman Bill Moody, defending Clark.

Clark told WTKR, “I had a lot of people come and talk to me after it. No one appeared intimidated. There the police officers that were there; they were aware that I had it.” Clark has not responded to any other questions since the hearing.

The council voted 4-3 and passed the Second Amendment Sanctuary resolution.