Virginia Moms Demand Action, Everytown Applaud Virginia Senate for Passing Life-Saving Extreme Risk Legislation

RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today applauded the Virginia Senate for passing SB 240, an extreme risk bill. The bill creates a new kind of court order known as an extreme risk protection order, which temporarily restricts a person’s access to firearms if a court finds they pose a serious threat of harming themselves or others.

“Just a few days after Richmond was flooded with gun extremists, lawmakers have proven they will not be scared into backing down,” said Nancy Spooner, a volunteer with the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “Gun suicide is responsible for the majority of gun deaths in Virginia, and an extreme risk law can help us address this crisis. We’re thrilled to see the bill pass the Senate because we know it can save lives.”

In November, gun safety was the number one issue for voters in Virginia and both chambers flipped to gun sense majorities — even in the NRA’s own backyard. Recent polling has continued to show that a bipartisan majority of Virginians favor gun safety laws, with large majorities supporting background checks and red flag laws.

On the first day of the 2020 legislative session, the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action held their annual advocacy day and had more than 70 meetings with lawmakers to show their support. On Monday, as gun extremists descended on Richmond, Virginia to intimidate lawmakers, Moms Demand Action held a phone bank to support lawmakers who have stood up for common-sense gun safety policies. More than 100 volunteers with Moms Demand Action from Virginia and 23 states made nearly 3,000 calls on Monday alone.