Demonstrators gathered in Richmond while a sweeping gun-control measure awaits a decision from Gov. Abigail Spanberger after clearing the Democrat-led Virginia legislature.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Virginia lawmakers have advanced a sweeping package of firearm restrictions to the desk of Gov. Abigail Spanberger, setting off protests at the state capitol as opponents warn the legislation could sharply restrict the sale and transfer of certain firearms and magazines.
The legislation, identified as SB749, passed both chambers of Virginia’s Democrat-controlled General Assembly and now awaits the governor’s decision. Spanberger has until April 13 to determine whether to sign or reject the bill.
The proposal was introduced in January 2026 by state Sen. Saddam Azlan Sadim, a Democrat representing Dunn Loring. If enacted, the measure would prohibit the sale, purchase, importation, manufacturing, or transfer of most firearms classified under the bill as “assault weapons,” along with high-capacity magazines, though the measure includes certain exceptions.
The legislation reached the governor as firearm policy debates intensified across neighboring states. According to reporting from FOX News, lawmakers in West Virginia have been considering a proposal that would allow residents to legally acquire machine guns, highlighting the differing policy directions between the two states.
The bill’s arrival on the governor’s desk prompted demonstrations outside the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond over the weekend. Hundreds of residents gathered while carrying firearms and voicing opposition to the measure.
“We are out here to fight for our Second Amendment rights,” a Marine Corps veteran told BorderHawk.news.
“They don’t even know what they are trying to legislate. They just know, ‘Guns scary. Guns bad.’ What they are doing is not going to make a difference in crime, it’s not going to make a difference in shootings. It’s an attack on people who fundamentally disagree with them on what the Constitution means.”
Participants distributed 30-round AR-15 rifle magazines outside the capitol building, items that would be restricted from purchase under the legislation if it becomes law. Footage of the gathering circulated on social media, including this video from the protest.
Another veteran at the rally said the proposed restrictions threatened constitutional freedoms he believes he served to defend.
“I served 20 years for this country. Every single Constitutional right is something I fought for and believed in,” he said.
“They’re trying to take what I believe is some of my Constitutional freedom away.”
Among those attending was a demonstrator wearing a Batman costume who spoke about the importance of self-defense.
“If they make it illegal for law-abiding citizens to own guns, criminals still have guns. It doesn’t check them . . . It’s important that everybody has a right to have a weapon.”
Video of that exchange was also shared online in this clip from the Richmond demonstration.
Gov. Spanberger’s office has indicated she intends to examine the legislation carefully before making a decision.
“As the mother of three daughters in Virginia public schools and a former federal law enforcement officer who carried a gun every day, Governor Spanberger knows how important it is to make sure kids and families are safe,” a spokesperson said in a statement reported by WRIC.
“The Governor is grateful for the efforts of legislators and advocates to address gun violence in Virginia communities, and she looks forward to reviewing all legislation that comes to her desk.”
Original article
Comments