RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Gun laws took center stage in the Rotunda on Monday as pro-gun groups and gun control advocates both held rallies.
The debate on guns is expected to be a big talker during this legislative session.
“I live in this great state and I recognize the deadly game our governor is playing with my life and yours,” one gun rights supporter said.
From criticism of executive actions taken by the governor to increase background checks and prohibit concealed carry in state buildings to calls for the impeachment of Attorney General Mark Herring, who recently announced Virginia would be disqualifying reciprocity agreements with 25 states, gun rights advocates filled the capital to express frustration and disappointment.
“There are baby steps being taken by the left to take our rights and they don’t realize how many of us are against what they want to do,” added another gun rights supporter Allen Mullins.
The group is supporting dozens of bills aiming to increase gun rights, including allowing gun owners to carry concealed without a permit and restoring the reciprocity agreements with those 25 states. Just a few hours later, the coalition to stop gun violence filled the same spot with supporters, including the parents of Alison Parker, the journalist who was gunned down on live TV.
“We are not going away, and together, all of us, we will make a difference,” Andy Parker said.
The group is pushing bills to close the so-called gun show loophole, conduct universal background checks and keep guns out of the hands of people convicted of domestic violence.
I am committed to all of you here today that we will continue on in this battle,” Governor Terry McAuliffe said. “Our voices will never be diminished, we will continue to fight for what is right.”
The governor has vowed to veto any attempts that he says will weaken Virginia’s gun laws. Meanwhile, gun rights supporters are hoping they can come up with enough votes to override that veto.
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