Virginia prosecutors refuse to enforce new assault weapons ban

Virginia assault weapons ban prosecutors refusal Commonwealth’s Attorneys gun control law constitutional challenge

Virginia's assault weapons ban, signed by Governor Abigail Spanberger and set to take effect on July 1, 2026, prohibits the sale, manufacture, importation, purchase or transfer of so‑called assault firearms while allowing current owners to retain their weapons.

At least ten Commonwealth’s Attorneys, including Matthew E. Bass (Clark County), Dayna Kentrick Bobbitt (Patrick County), Phillip Blevins Jr. (Smyth County), Rob Cerullo (Powhatan County), Justin L. Griffin (Pulaski County), Ryan Mehaffey (Spotsylvania County) and Kyle Kilgore (Scott County), have announced they will not enforce the law, citing constitutional violations. Sheriffs Travis Sumption (Clark County) and Dan Smith (Patrick County) have echoed the refusal. State Senator Saddam Azlan Salim criticized the prosecutors, calling the stance a “tough‑guy attitude.”

The refusals come amid multiple state and federal lawsuits filed by gun‑rights groups challenging the ban’s constitutionality. The controversy is expected to shape the political debate ahead of the 2027 state elections.

Sources

Ten Commonwealth’s Attorneys in Virginia Will Not Uphold ‘Assault Weapons’ Ban – Total News [totalnews.com]

2 months ago

As VA Gun Ban Date Nears, Another Prosecutor Turns Thumbs Down - TheGunMag - The Official Gun Magazine of the Second Amendment Foundation [www.thegunmag.com]

2 months ago