Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger recently signed SB 749 into law, banning the purchase and sale of “assault firearms” and certain types of ammunition. The move did not sit well with Virginia residents, and voters from both the left and the right criticized the governor online.
Reports from WTVR indicate that SB 749 will make it a Class 1 misdemeanor to sell, purchase, transfer, or manufacture assault weapons in Virginia. However, anyone who already owns these firearms will be allowed to keep them. In addition, anyone who violates the law will be prohibited from possessing or transporting this type of weapon for three years.
Speaking to the press, Spanberger said that “firearms designed to inflict maximum casualties do not belong on our streets,” framing the decision as a way to improve safety in the state. The National Rifle Association has reportedly opposed the law and has promised to pursue legal action in hopes of overturning it.
Virginia Voters Criticize Governor Spanberger After Ban
Virginia residents took to Reddit’s r/Virginia to complain about the governor signing the controversial law. One of them said, “That’s how the Democrat anti-gun bills work. Pass them even though they know they are unconstitutional because they know it will take years to be sorted out. And then just keep adding more and more to keep it going.” A seemingly regretful voter added: “Typical Democrat disarmament is exactly why I will never vote Democrat again.”
Someone else criticized the language of the law: “Typical milquetoast centrist. Performative and useless when it matters. I’m not a super pro-2A guy at all costs whatsoever, but these moderate libs always trying to pass gun control using the term ‘assault weapon’ really annoys the [expletive] out of me. At least get experts to write the language so it’s reasonable.”
Even some seemingly Democratic voters appeared concerned about Spanberger’s actions. “Historically, the best time to restrict access to firearms is when the regime is sending masked goons to kidnap and execute citizens in the streets. Great job, Gov. Spanberger,” one of them said. Another wrote, “The no guns and no unionizing/organizing for better working conditions was the big tell for me. It’s clear what they’re trying to set us up for,” referring to Spanberger’s veto of a collective bargaining expansion.
It remains to be seen whether SB 749 will stay in place or be overturned. If nothing changes before then, the law will begin to be enforced on July 1, 2026.
