Gun rights advocates rally at Virginia Capitol against assault weapons ban: 'Veto it'

On Saturday, hundreds of gun‑rights supporters gathered beneath the historic bell tower of the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond to protest a pending assault‑weapon ban that now awaits Governor Abigail Spanberger’s signature.

Hundreds rallied at the Virginia Capitol Saturday against a bill that would ban assault weapons sales, now awaiting Gov. Spanberger's signature.

By: A.J. Nwoko

Background of the Bill

RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia General Assembly sent a bill to Governor Abigail Spanberger earlier this week that would ban the sale, manufacture, and importation of firearms classified as assault weapons, as well as magazines holding more than 15 rounds, effective July 1, 2026. Existing owners could retain their weapons and magazines, but new sales would be prohibited.

Voices from the Rally

Gun‑rights advocate Todd Askins handed out roughly $30,000 worth of 30‑round magazines donated by Magpul—the very magazines the legislation seeks to ban.

"I said our rights are being assaulted, and we want to hand out magazines. They sent me a whole pallet full," Askins told reporters.

Jason Redman of TurboVets warned that the measure threatens a fundamental constitutional freedom.

"Here in Virginia, right now we are seeing drastic attempts to erode one of our most important freedoms: Our Second Amendment," Redman said.

Legislative Perspectives

The bill’s sponsor, Democratic Sen. Saddam Salim (Fairfax), framed the proposal as a public‑safety measure aimed at keeping “weapons of war” off the streets.

"The overall goal of this bill is to ensure that we have less weapons of war on the street," Salim said.

He added that inaction on gun violence has persisted for too long.

"Instead of trying to do something, we just continue to say, we're going to think about you and we're going to pray for you. So we have not seen a lot of that being done," Salim explained.

Republican Sen. Mark Obenshain (Rockingham) countered that the ban would not stop criminals from obtaining firearms illegally and urged lawmakers to focus on illegal gun trafficking instead of law‑abiding owners.

"Really, it's nothing more than moving around the deck chairs on a cruise ship. It is going to do nothing to affect violent behavior, like the murders that took place down in Shockoe Bottom a couple of weeks ago," Obenshain said.

A spokesperson for Governor Spanberger said the governor looks forward to reviewing the legislation.

"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," the spokesperson stated.

Virginia Citizens Defense League President Phillip Van Cleave urged a veto, arguing the bill would neither curb violent crime nor protect future gun owners.

"Veto it. There is nothing in there that is salvageable. The whole thing will do nothing to stop violent crime," Van Cleave said.

He also warned that the ban would deny the next generation the ability to own firearms for self‑defense.

"It denies the very next generation the ability to have the same firearms for self‑defense that we have now. So this is stealing rights from people turning 18 starting in July and generations coming up after that," Van Cleave added.

Potential Impact and Next Steps

Under the proposed law, owners who no longer want their assault weapons could transfer them to a licensed dealer or an out‑of‑state buyer who can legally possess them. Immediate family members may also inherit the firearms. Law‑enforcement officers and security personnel at federal facilities would be exempt.

Republicans cite the 2008 Washington, D.C., decision that struck down a similar magazine ban as precedent for a constitutional challenge. Sen. Salim, however, argues the bill mirrors the 1994 federal assault‑weapon ban and that Virginia’s attorney general is prepared to defend it.

"I think we have an AG who's been great, who has said he's going to continue to fight for this alongside me. So I think we're in a good place when it comes to that," Salim said.

If Governor Spanberger signs the bill, violations would be classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Conclusion

The rally highlighted the deep divide in Virginia over gun policy, with advocates warning that the ban threatens constitutional rights while supporters argue it is a necessary step toward reducing gun violence. As the bill sits on the governor’s desk, the state awaits a decision that could set a precedent for future assault‑weapon legislation across the nation.

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