RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) – Gun rights are once again taking center stage at the Virginia State Capitol with the Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL) hosting its annual Lobby Day rally in support of gun rights in the Commonwealth on Monday.
“I am still trying to wrap my mind around the thought process that goes on here that says guns somehow hurt people. We know that guns save lives,” Delegate Eric Zehr (R-Campbell) told a crowd of about 75 people at the Bell Tower on Capitol grounds.
The rally comes amidst the backdrop of a general assembly session that’s seen Democrats propose dozens of gun control measures.
“We know that it is unconscionable that the number one killer of our children is bullets,” Delegate Dan Helmer (D-Fairfax) told 8News.
Those efforts include bills to ban the sale of new assault weapons, institute a waiting period before someone can purchase a gun, and more, all of which gun rights advocates oppose.
“The purpose of these weapons, they were designed for military use,” said Helmer. “They are designed to put sustained aimed fire as quickly as possible on an enemy. I don’t believe our neighbors, our kids, are enemies.”
“Semi-automatic rifles like AR-15s are absolutely protected by the Second Amendment and this won’t stand up in court,” said VCDL President Philip Van Cleave.
Last year, Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) vetoed dozens of gun control bills after they were passed by the General Assembly, something he may be forced to do again this year.
