Virginia Lawmaker Cites Handgun Attacks to Justify 'Assault Weapons' Ban

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Virginia state Senator Saddam Salim (D) sponsored a recently passed 'assault weapons' ban and cited handgun attacks at Virginia Tech and Virginia Beach as justification, despite the fact that those shootings were carried out with handguns, not AR-15s or other semi-automatic rifles. The new law bans the possession of such firearms in Virginia unless they were owned prior to the July 1, 2026 effective date, though it includes a grandfather clause allowing current owners to keep their weapons.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate over gun control measures, with lawmakers seeking to restrict access to certain firearms despite evidence that the weapons used in high-profile attacks were not the focus of the proposed bans. The Virginia law raises questions about the effectiveness of such bans and the potential for unintended consequences, as well as the role of political agendas in shaping gun legislation.

The details

In sponsoring the 'assault weapons' ban, Senator Salim cited the April 2007 Virginia Tech shooting, where the perpetrator used handguns, as well as the May 2019 Virginia Beach shooting, also carried out with a handgun. Despite these facts, Salim argued the ban on AR-15s and similar semi-automatic rifles was justified. The new law prohibits the possession of these firearms in Virginia after July 1, 2026, unless they were owned prior to that date. However, it includes a grandfather clause allowing current owners to keep their weapons, though they cannot sell or transfer them.

• The Virginia Tech shooting occurred on April 16, 2007.
• The Virginia Beach shooting took place on May 31, 2019.
• The 'assault weapons' ban was passed by Virginia lawmakers on March 9, 2026.
• The ban is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.