'I won't criminalize law-abiding citizens': Virginia prosecutors defy Spanberger's gun ban
Prosecutors in four Virginia counties are refusing to enforce a new assault weapons ban signed by Governor Abigail Spanberger. They argue that the law is unconstitutional and will not criminalize law-abiding citizens. The law, which takes effect on July 1, imposes penalties for violations, but gun rights activists are rallying against it.
- ▪Commonwealth's attorneys in Spotsylvania, Smyth, Powhatan, and Pulaski counties declared the assault weapons ban unconstitutional.
- ▪Violators of the new law could face up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
- ▪The NRA and other gun rights groups have filed a lawsuit against the ban.
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| Original publisher | The Washington Times |
| Canonical URL | https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/may/27/virginia-assault-weapons-ban-prosecutors-refuse-enforce-citing/ |
| Publication time | Wed, 27 May 2026 12:59:00 -0400 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-27T17:13:01.937Z |
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Prosecutors in four Virginia counties are refusing to enforce the state’s new assault weapons ban — and gun rights activists say it’s déjà vu all over again. Days after Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed the law banning the sale and transfer of AR-15-style rifles and magazines holding more than 15 rounds, commonwealth’s attorneys in Spotsylvania, Smyth, Powhatan and Pulaski counties declared the measure unconstitutional and said their offices won’t pursue charges under it. The law takes effect July 1. Violators face up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. “I am not going to take law-abiding citizens as of June 30th, 2026, and criminalize that same behavior on July 1st, 2026, solely on the basis of this new law,” said Pulaski County Commonwealth’s Attorney Justin L. Griffith.
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