RICHMOND, Va. — Today, volunteers with the Virginia chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, held a rally at the state capitol to advocate for stronger gun safety measures in the Commonwealth. After bipartisan progress was achieved last legislative session, advocates continue to urge lawmakers to continue strengthening the state’s gun safety laws ahead of the elections this November. Volunteers were joined by former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, Virginia State Senator Jennifer Carroll Foy, Virginia Delegate Rozia Henson, and the Executive Director of Moms Demand Action, Angela Ferrell-Zabala.
“Last year, thanks to our movement’s advocacy and the leadership of the folks we helped elect, the legislature passed dozens of gun safety bills, and we were able to get five bipartisan bills signed into law to help keep our communities safe. Now, we’re back to build on that momentum,” said Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action. “This legislative session, we have real potential to build on our bipartisan progress and pass more laws that can save lives across the Commonwealth.”
“Today, louder, bigger, and stronger than ever, gun safety advocates like me came together to make our voices heard in Richmond and across Virginia,” said Shantell Rock, a volunteer with the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We can all agree that our loved ones deserve to feel safe, and be safe, at school, in a parking lot, in a park – everywhere. But if any of our lawmakers are not committed to making this future a reality, we’re prepared to see them at the ballot box this November. ”
“I’m proud of what we have accomplished so far in Virginia, but I know I speak for every young person here today when I say that we still have so much more to achieve to address Virginia’s gun violence crisis,” said Daniel Gonzales, a volunteer leader with the John R. Lewis High School Students Demand Action chapter. “We have grown up in a constant fear of gun violence wherever we go, and we won’t be quiet until we can guarantee that the next generation won’t have to live like this. With many of us voting for the first time this November, we’re prepared to bring this energy to the next elections.”
After a gun sense majority was elected to both chambers of the General Assembly in 2023, lawmakers passed dozens of life-saving gun safety bills in last year’s legislative session, five of which were signed into law. Gun safety advocates are prepared to work alongside gun sense champions to build on this progress ahead of the 2025 elections. More information on the gun safety priorities for advocates this legislative session is available here.
In an average year, 1,200 people die by guns in Virginia and 1,624 are wounded. With a rate of 13.6 deaths per 100,000 people, Virginia has the 34th-highest rate of gun deaths in the US. Gun violence costs Virginia $14.2 billion each year, of which $288.3 million is paid by taxpayers. More information about gun violence in Virginia is available here.
To speak to a local volunteer with Moms Demand Action, a volunteer with Students Demand Action, or a policy expert, please don’t hesitate to reach out.