- Former Virginia Governor
Tim Kaine
The Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence (Ed Fund), is conducting an educational campaign to inform the public about how criminals are exploiting the "Gun Show Loophole" to obtain firearms.
Under Virginia law, Federal Firearms Licensees are required to perform criminal background checks on individuals purchasing firearms at gun shows. However, this law does not apply to private individuals who make "occasional" gun sales as a "hobby." These unlicensed sellers can sell firearms to anyone at a gun show—cash and carry, no questions asked. We would like to see Virginia's legislators close thi dangerous loophole for good.
The Ed Fund is also calling attention to proposals to allow individuals to carry concealed handguns into bars and restaurants that serve alcohol, churches, courthouses, child day care centers, and public libraries in the Commonwealth.
We have been joined in these campaigns by several organizations in Virginia, including the Virginia Chapters of the Million Mom March, Protest Easy Guns and the Angel Fund.
| In January 2010, VACPS and its gun violence prevention partners in Virginia conducted a vigil at the State Capitol to remember victims of gun violence. |
Receive a regularly updated news feed about the Gun Show Loophole in Virginia from Gun Policy News >
If you are a Virginia resident:
- Join the VACPS email list for updates on the Gun Show Loophole and other important issues
- Sign an online petition to close the Gun Show Loophole
-
Help close the Newspaper Loophole in Virginia
- Organize a "Lie-In" protest against easy access to guns in your community
- 2009 Virgina House of Delegates candidate survey results on key gun issues
- An April 2009 poll shows that 76% of Virginians want the Gun Show Loophole closed
- "Questions for Peacemakers" sermon given by Ed Fund Board Member Jim Atwood at Blacksburg Presbyterian Church in October 2008
-
A January 2008 poll indicates that an overwhelming majority of Virginians rank toughening gun laws and closing the Gun Show Loophole as their top legislative priorities
- Virginia Tech Review Panel recommendations regarding Virginia's gun laws
-
Fact Sheet on Virginia's Gun Show Loophole
-
An April 2007 poll indicates that Virginians want tougher gun laws and think that guns on college campuses is a bad idea
-
Research Paper on Virginia gun shows by Virginians for Public Safety
-
Frequently Asked Questions about Virginia gun shows
 |
| "Lie-Ins" protest easy access to guns and have occurred in more than 30 states across America. |
- Mike Vanderboegh, the former Alabama militia leader who recently called on gun owners to vandalize Democratic offices, speaking at the "Restore the Constitution" Open Carry Rally in Fort Hunt Park, Virginia, on April 19, 2010.
- Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli of Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli attended the Second Amendment March on April 12, 2010 - just four days before the third anniversary of the Virginia Tech Massacre.
- 2010 "Advocacy Day" at the State Capitol in Richmond
- Virginia Tech Survivor Colin Goddard buying firearms at multiple gun shows in Virginia without undergoing background check.
- Omar Samaha (who lost his sister Reema at Virginia Tech) buying 10 guns in one hour at a Virginia gun show—no background checks.
- NRA/VCDL harrassment of victims and survivors of gun violence at the vigil at State Capitol in Richmond, Virginia on January 21, 2008.
