Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action Applaud Lawmakers for Sending Legislation to Keep Guns Off Capitol Grounds to the Governor

The Virginia chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots networks, released the following statement after the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate passed legislation to prohibit guns in the state capitol and on capitol grounds. The legislation now heads to the governor’s desk, along with legislation to keep guns out of polling places, and address the Charleston loophole, which was signed earlier this week.

“We can’t allow armed intimidation at our Capitol to interfere with the work of lawmakers and the will of Virginia voters,” said Carlos A. Gutiérrez, a volunteer with Virginia Moms Demand Action. “Virignians overwhelmingly support policies that will keep our communities safe from gun violence. We urge the governor to keep our democratic process safe and sign this bill.”

Last month, after the armed insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, Everytown for Gun Safety released a new policy plan designed to eliminate armed intimidation from politics by prohibiting guns at Capitol buildings and on Capitol grounds, sensitive government facilities, polling locations, vote counting locations, and protests on public property across the country. 

Gun violence prevention is more important than ever in the new year as the pandemic continues to exacerbate gun violence, and after a year of increased gun sales, increased calls to suicide and domestic violence hotlines, and an increase in city gun violence. Read more about Virginia Moms Demand Action legislative priorities this session here.