‘I won’t criminalize law-abiding citizens’: Virginia prosecutors defy Spanberger’s gun ban

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.

The prosecutors cited the Supreme Court’s rulings in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022).

Ms. Spanberger’s office pushed back. “The people of Virginia must be able to trust that all the commonwealth’s attorneys will uphold the rule of law and keep Virginians safe,” a spokesman said.

The NRA, Gun Owners of America and other groups have filed suit. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has also signaled potential federal involvement.

Gun rights activists are now rallying county officials to revive Virginia’s Second Amendment sanctuary movement — which, between 2019 and 2020, saw 95% of the state’s localities pledge not to enforce “unconstitutional” gun measures from Richmond.

Read more:

• Virginia prosecutors refuse to enforce new gun ban