Gov. Youngkin Vetoes Virginia Democrats’ ‘Assault Weapons’ Ban

Semiautomatic centerfire pistols are wildly popular among concealed carriers and target shooters. Some of the most popular semiautomatic centerfire pistols include the 9mm, 45 ACP, and 10mm, and a pistol chambered in any of those three rounds could have been banned in Virginia over a threaded barrel if Democrats got their way.

But Y0ungkin vetoed the “assault weapons” ban and Richmond Times-Dispatch quoted him saying in a statement, “The Constitution precludes the Commonwealth from prohibiting a broad category of firearms widely embraced for lawful purposes, such as self-defense. Despite this, certain members of the General Assembly have pursued legislation banning most contemporary semiautomatic firearms and specific ammunition-feeding devices.”

State Sen. Creigh Deeds (D) wrung his hands and posted commentary on X as Youngkin was vetoing the anti-Second Amendment legislation, writing, “News this afternoon that 2 more of my bills, prospectively banning assault style weapons, and keeping guns off college campuses are being vetoed. Shameful and unthinking action!”