Virginia judge blocks assault weapons ban from taking effect on July 1 25JUN26

 IT is time to level the playing field and make sure those who decide the general public will face risk from all kinds of guns almost everywhere are included. Gun restrictions at courthouses and Commonwealth attorney's offices and judge's offices and sheriff's offices should be removed so these people who supposedly believe in totally unfettered 2nd Amendment "rights" face the same possibility of gun violence as the general public. Won't it be ironic if these people or or their supporters or members of their families or friends or co-workers experience the consequences of their decisions? Enough of this political, judicial and law enforcement hypocrisy! From CBS6 WTVR in Richmond, Virginia.....

Virginia judge blocks assault weapons ban from taking effect on July 1

By: WTVR CBS 6 Web Staff

Posted 5:53 PM, Jun 25, 2026  

 and last updated 12:03 PM, Jun 26, 2026

RICHMOND, Va. — A Virginia judge has granted a preliminary injunction stopping Virginia State Police from enforcing the state's assault weapons ban, which was set to take effect July 1.

The injunction lasts until December 31 or until a final order is released, according to Courthouse News.

House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore released a statement on the judge's decision.

"Today's ruling from Lancaster County is welcome, but not unexpected. Republicans warned Democrats repeatedly during the regular session that this law was clearly unconstitutional under multiple U.S. Supreme Court rulings. We look forward to seeing this and other cases continue through the courts."

The Virginia Citizens Defense League also responded, saying it is "extremely pleased with the temporary injunction that was issued today against the unconstitutional assault firearm ban."

"We expect the Commonwealth to appeal and we expect to prevail."

Attorney General Jay Jones confirmed the Commonwealth will appeal, issuing a statement that reads:

"Gun violence is the key driver of violent crime in this Commonwealth and nation, and assault weapons are designed intentionally to inflict maximum damage in a matter of seconds. The assault weapons ban passed by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor will save lives in the Commonwealth and is compliant with the Constitution of Virginia. This ruling is disappointing and puts our communities at risk. The Commonwealth will urgently file a motion to stay this ruling and appeal this temporary injunction. We will continue to vigorously defend Virginia's assault weapons ban and magazine capacity restrictions and uphold the laws designed to keep Virginians safe."

A spokesperson for Jones said on Friday it was their belief that the injunction only applies to VSP, since Col. Jeffrey Katz was and local law enforcement and Commonwealth's Attorneys could still enforce the law (although some jurisdictions have said they will not enforce the law over concerns about its constitutionality).

But the spokesperson added that another lawsuit challenging the ban in Washington County was heard on Thursday and includes some Commonwealth's Attorneys as defendants. She said they are expecting a ruling from the judge in the coming days and if an injunction is granted, it could have a more sweeping effect on enforcement.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger's office shared the following statement to the Lancaster ruling:

"Governor Spanberger firmly believes that firearms designed to inflict maximum casualties do not belong in our communities, near our kids and schools, or on Virginia’s streets. The Governor signed this commonsense legislation to save lives and protect law enforcement officers, kids, and families from gun violence — and the Governor remains committed to making the Commonwealth a safer place for every family."

Spotsylvania's top prosecutor tells why he won't enforce tighter gun laws 27MAI26

 I sent this comment to News4 after watching and reading their report on Virginia's new gun laws. I sent it as suggested follow-up to this report...

" Quoting the Spotsylvania Commonwealth Attorney “It’s fundamentally opposed to a free society, a society where liberty reigns," Spotsylvania County Commonwealth’s Attorney Ryan Mehaffey said." Is his office in a government building ( 9111 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553 ) that prohibits private citizens from bringing their guns into the building? If it is that seems to be very hypocritical considering his views on a free society where liberty reigns. I would like to hear a reporter ask all these commonwealth attorneys if their offices are in secured buildings or if they face the same exposure of possible gun violence as the rest of us wherever we are. And as public employees how are these people able to decide what laws they will and will not enforce. How many of us are able to tell our employers which of our job task we will and will not do? I suggest these people exercise their freedoms and liberties and resign and find new jobs in our free society."

Spotsylvania's top prosecutor tells why he won't enforce tighter gun laws

“It’s fundamentally opposed to a free society, a society where liberty reigns," Spotsylvania County Commonwealth’s Attorney Ryan Mehaffey said.

By Drew Wilder • Published May 26, 2026 • Updated on May 27, 2026 at 11:01 am

New Virginia laws banning the sale and transfer of assault weapons go into effect in about five weeks. But at least five conservative prosecutors say they won’t enforce them.

Spotsylvania County Commonwealth’s Attorney Ryan Mehaffey said he believes the laws violate the Constitution.

“The Second Amendment is alive and well in Spotsylvania County,” he told News4.

The commonwealth will ban the sale and manufacture of certain semi-automatic weapons, shifting gun laws to more closely align with states such as California and Illinois. But as Virginia teeters from purple to blue and back again, some elected officials are making clear that the new laws won't be enforced in their counties.

Attorney General Jay Jones said in a statement: “Commonwealth’s Attorneys are elected to enforce our laws, which is what we expect them to do when these laws take effect on July 1.”

The law will make it a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine for people to buy, sell, transfer, import, or manufacture an assault firearm.

Mehaffey said the law is in direct conflict with the Second Amendment.

“It’s fundamentally opposed to a free society, a society where liberty reigns. And this is the moment in time where the Second Amendment was drafted and enacted, where the government couldn't take the right of the people to defend themselves away,” he said.

Eleven other states and D.C. already have versions of their own assault weapons ban. The details and laws vary and they've been challenged in the courts. In fact, several lawsuits have already been filed against Virginia's new ban.

“Every assault weapons ban that has gone before a federal court in this country has been upheld, including, most importantly, Maryland's,” said Mary Kenah of Everytown for Gun Safety.

She said Maryland's ban is considered more restrictive than Virginia's and was upheld by the same court that presides over Virginia. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to take up this case, so Maryland's assault weapon ban remains in place.

“The people of Virginia showed that their priority is gun-violence prevention. They elected a former Moms Demand Action volunteer as their governor,” Kenah said.

In places such a Spotsylvania County, they've elected Mehaffey as their prosecutor. It’s a county that surprised a lot of people in November when it voted blue, in favor of Gov. Abigail Spanberger.

Despite that shift, Mehaffey said he's confident that his position against the new assault weapons ban is what his constituents want.

Other prosecutors who have said they won’t enforce Virginia’s assault weapons ban are from Powhatan, Pulaski, Scott and Smyth counties.

VirginiaApr 14

Virginia Gov. Spanberger signs, makes amendments to gun safety laws

VirginiaMay 16

New Virginia law banning `assault firearms' prompts quick lawsuits from gun-rights groups

Virginia PoliticsMay 20

Lawmakers, advocates express frustration over some of Gov. Spanberger's vetoes

Virginia Gov. Spanberger signs, makes amendments to gun safety laws 14APR26

 THANK GOD we no longer have a commonwealth assembly and governor afraid of and / or bought by the nra!!!

Virginia Gov. Spanberger signs, makes amendments to gun safety laws

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has signed and amended a series of gun bills, fulfilling her campaign promise to tighten gun safety.

The measures Spanberger signed into law include a bill requiring guns be locked away when left in vehicles, a statewide ban on so-called "ghost guns" and a bill allowing gun makers to be held legally accountable in certain cases of gun violence.

"It's a historic win not just for Virginia. ... When we elect change-makers that share our values around gun safety, then change happens," Kelly Johnson with Moms Demand Action told News4.

State Sen. Dave Marsden sponsored the bill making it a Class 4 misdemeanor with a $250 fine if gun owners don’t lock up their handguns on the road, either in a locked glove box, console or specially designed container affixed to the vehicle.

Marsden said criminals, especially teens, are increasingly getting their weapons from vehicles before committing crimes.

"Our cars have become shopping carts for kids," he said. "To treat this as a criminal offense will send a message out there that you need to be responsible, and if you want a gun in your car, go to the expense of doing it the right way."

Spanberger also put her mark on several high-profile measures, adding amendments late Monday night.

Her office said she changed an assault weapons ban to exclude certain semi-automatic weapons used for hunting. The assault weapons legislation does not apply to firearms or magazines lawfully owned before July 1, 2026.

She also amended the bill requiring guns be stored and locked in homes with minors to allow a gun locking device that makes the weapon inoperable.

In another bill, Spanberger added language to raise the handgun purchase age from 18 to 21, with exceptions for members of the military or people in law enforcement training.

Gun rights organizations are promising immediate court challenges, hoping to block some of the changes.

In their sights in particular: the assault weapons ban.

"We’ll be ready to meet them at the court steps. The lawsuits are drafted. The support from the Department of Justice, their civil rights division, is there and we’ll look forward to our day in court to right these wrongs," John Commerford with the National Rifle Association said.

Commerford said the new restrictions hurt Virginians who are already following the law.

"It's just continuing to put limits on the population in the state that is the most law abiding," he said. "They're continuing to focus of reducing the constitutional rights of Virginians across the Commonwealth."

Lawmakers will decide whether to sign off on Spanberger's amendments when they reconvene next week.

Correction (April 15, 2026): An earlier version of this article misstated the name of John Commerford with the National Rifle Association.

MENTAL ILLNESS IS THE PROBLEM

AS AMERICAN AS

STORM'S OVER, COME ON OUT

Visa: help stop the next mass shooting

California Brief@CaliforniaBrief

#BREAKING: Video shows moment gunman opens fire on Gilroy garlic festival Sunday evening; 4 people killed (including suspected gunman), 15 others injured. [Warning: Potentially-distressing footage] #GilroyGarlicFestival #GilroyActiveshooter

165

2:12 AM - Jul 29, 2019

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I stopped posting the tragic stories of gun violence and mass shootings, mostly in the U.S., months ago. I no longer post my outrage and the inability and unwillingness of the American people to hold our government accountable for much of this violence because of the lack of national,  common sense gun laws. BUT I still participate in attempts to change our gun laws in an attempt to save some lives, to prevent some violence and support pressuring companies to do what they can to prevent more mass shootings. Please consider participating in this action calling on Visa to monitor and red flag excessive gun and ammo sales. From SumOfUs.....

Late last week, Visa's CEO brazenly compared stockpiling guns for a mass shooting to buying SODA: “We shouldn’t tell people they can’t purchase a 32-ounce soda.” On live television, CEO Alfred Kelly defended the company’s decision to finance gun purchases--no matter how suspicious or erratic. The reality is nearly two-thirds of the deadliest mass shootings were made possible by credit card spending sprees. The Pulse Nightclub shooter's web browsing history even included searches about whether or why credit card companies stop purchases. He proceeded to open up three Visa cards and spent tens of thousands on ammunition and guns.Last week, thousands of you helped raise a massive outcry in response to the CEO's heartless view of gun tragedies. But we need to keep the pressure up and show that we won't back down until Visa takes responsibility for its role in facilitating and profiting off the guns and ammo used in mass shootings. Can you send a tweet to Visa's Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility? Click here to tweet at the Visa VP using the hashtag #SonOfAGun and demand Visa do its part to stop erratic gun purchases.

If you feel like you’ve read this email before, it’s because you have. In the wake of yet more tragic mass shootings -- this time at a community festival in Gilroy, California, at a walmart in El Paso, Texas and outside a bar in Dayton, Ohio -- the pattern of shock, mourning, anger, and despair feels like déjà vu.
One brave survivor of Gilroy who hid under a table said "I thought I was gonna die.” He’s seven. This is our new normal -- but it doesn't have to be. Credit card companies have the power to help prevent future bloodshed. It’s up to us to call on Visa to take the threat of mass shootings seriously.
Join thousands of SumOfUs members who have already called on Visa to monitor credit card purchases for red flags associated with mass shootings.
Thanks for all you do,
Katie, Mark, Allison, and the team at SumOfUs

---

The US has one mass shooting a day, and in the last few days mass shootings have claimed lives in Charlotte, Baltimore, and San Diego. Mass shootings are often financed with credit cards. Credit card companies like Visa have the power to stop mass shootings before they start. One simple change — reporting excessive, erratic gun and ammo purchases to law enforcement — could save hundreds of lives.  SIGN THE PETITION

I'll be honest. I should be devastated right now. I should be crying. But I'm pissed off.

I'm mad that in the last few days, communities in San Diego, Charlotte, and Baltimore had to watch the news and wonder if their loved ones survived a mass shooting. That families had to get a final text saying "I think I'm going to die" or "I love you so much."

I'm angry that Passover was overshadowed by terror and hate. That the US experiences one mass shooting a day. That this is still happening while countries like Australia, the UK, and New Zealand have restricted gun access in order to save lives. That we have been made to feel so helpless in the face of such tragedy.

If you, like me, are trying to find some good in this world right now, I want you to know that we aren't helpless. In fact, you've already helped make some powerful changes that have the NRA crumbling. You can help prevent more mass shootings by forcing corporations to act.

Tell Visa: Do your part to end the bloodshed. Report red flag purchases linked to mass shootings.
In the last decade, more than half of the deadliest shootings were financed with credit cards.

Credit card companies like Visa have the power to stop mass shootings before they start. One simple change -- reporting excessive, erratic gun and ammo purchases to law enforcement -- could save hundreds of lives.

Shooters often spend tens, even hundreds of thousands of dollars on guns and ammo in the lead-up to their crimes — wildly unusual behavior that would be easy for Visa’s sophisticated software to spot. No one has any reason to buy that many guns or that much ammo.

And while credit card CEOs claim it’s not their job to flag customer purchases, the facts don’t back that up. Visa already reports big-ticket transactions with suspected links to fraud, money laundering, terrorism, and other crimes. It would be simple to add mass shootings to that list.

If you’ve ever gotten a fraud alert from your credit card then you already know how easy it is for credit card companies to spot and investigate suspicious activity.

You’ve already shown that you have the power to make companies cut ties with the gun industry. PayPal and Apple Pay block gun sales on their platforms, and United, Hertz, and countless others have ended their NRA discounts. Now you can push Visa to save lives too.

Together we can send a powerful message to Visa: Commit to reporting mass shooters’ deadly transactions.

 SIGN THE PETITION 

Thanks for all that you do,
Katie, Allison, and the team at SumOfUs

More information:

How Banks Could Control Gun Sales if Washington Won’t The Washington Post. 19 February 2018.

How Banks Unwittingly Finance Mass Shootings New York Times. 24 December 2018. 

The latest shooting attacks show how the U.S. stands apart from the world Washington Post. 1 May 2019

7 year old boy: I thought I was gonna die. CNN 29 July 2019