US Edition
Trump administration threatens to sue Virginia if Spanberger signs gun-related bills
The Civil Rights Division says the measure would criminalize sales and manufacturing of defined assault firearms and violate the Second Amendment.
- On Friday, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon warned Governor Abigail Spanberger that the Justice Department would sue if Virginia enacts pending legislation banning certain semi-automatic firearms, marking a rare federal preemptive legal threat.
- The General Assembly forwarded over 20 gun-related bills to Spanberger's desk, including Senate Bill 749, which would ban 'assault firearms'; she faces a deadline today, Monday, April 13, to sign, veto, or amend them.
- Virginians initiated 79,846 background checks in March, signaling concern over proposed restrictions. The legislation defines 'assault firearms' as semi-automatic rifles or pistols with magazines holding more than 15 rounds, with violations classified as Class 1 misdemeanors.
- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones rejected the DOJ's warning, calling it "a distortion of the very purpose of the Office of Civil Rights." Meanwhile, Spanberger has already signed separate measures targeting 'ghost guns' and domestic violence convictions.
- Public opposition manifests as firearm sales surge; retailer Ben Goldberg reported "quadruple the volume" after gun legislation announcements. Spanberger's approval rating has dropped to 47%, the lowest of any Virginia governor just two months into office.
20 Articles
20 Articles
News 4 San Antonio
DOJ threatens to sue VA Gov. Spanberger if she signs legislation restricting gun rights
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon wrote in a letter to Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger that DOJ would sue if gun rights were infringed upon.
The Last Day Virginia's Gov. Can Veto Unconstitutional 2A Bills
Gov. Abigail Sanberger, the so-called moderate Democrat, has been signing anti-gun legislation and some of the worst bills can be vetoed today. Today is the last day. Then they pass without her signature. One measure is designed to make it easier to sue gun makers, distributors, and sellers over the criminal misuse of firearms. In other words, if a monster kills someone with a gun, it will be easier to sue the gun makers, distributors, and deale…
DOJ threatens to sue over proposed bill banning assault rifles in Virginia, more headlines
The state Capitol. (Photo by Ned Oliver/Virginia Mercury) • “Virginia early voting climbs ahead of crucial redistricting referendum.” — WUSA 9 • “DOJ threatens to sue over proposed bill banning assault rifles in Virginia.” — Virginian-Pilot • “Why did Virginia Tech’s longtime leader suddenly announce his departure?” — Chronicle of Higher Education • “Studies find widening roads often doesn’t ease traffic. VDOT says the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunne…
DOJ Threatens Lawsuit as Virginia Advances Gun Restrictions
RICHMOND, VA — The Department of Justice has warned Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger that it may take legal action if she signs pending gun control legislation, escalating tensions over Second Amendment rights. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division is prepared to file a lawsuit if certain bills become law, arguing they could violate constitutional protections. One measure, Senate Bill 749, would make it …
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 61% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
