The spokesman for the Gun Owners of America discusses a number of new gun and magazine bans that could spell trouble for private gun owners in Virginia.
2026 was looking promising for gun owners, especially with the White House opening a new Civil Rights office. But it seems like trouble is brewing in Virginia with the introduction of a new bill.
Anti-gun politicians have begun preparing a bill for the Virginia Legislature. Known as HB-217, it could introduce several infringements that could hamper citizens’ rights to own guns. These include:
- Banning the importation, sale, manufacture, purchase and transfer of a wide range of commonly owned semi-automatic rifles, pistols and firearms by classifying them as “assault firearms”
- Bans the sale and transfer of magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of manufactured on or after July 1st of this year
- Generally making the sale, purchase or involvement of a prohibited firearm a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable with a $2,500 fine or a year in jail
- Expanding concealed handgun permit disqualifications, tying them in with the “assault firearm” label
- Imposing a potential $500 Virginia tax on suppressors
This goes on top of the SB 27 bill being introduced to the Legislature that could hold gun manufacturers and dealers liable for certain situations, opening the door to potential lawsuits.
So what can be done? Joining us to discuss this further is Stephen Willeford, the 2017 “hero with a gun” who serves as spokesman for the group. We welcome him to the show.
Q&A:
- Why are certain politicians trying to introduce these anti-gun measures in Virginia?
- If passed, how much turmoil would it mean for any private gun owners that live in Virginia?
- Can anything be done about HB-217 at this point? Is there a place where concerned citizens can stand up against the unfairness of this new bill?
- Is it possible that the White House’s Civil Rights office could have something to say about these measures? Especially considering the potential fines and jail time involved?
- Where do you see the argument surrounding gun rights going as 2026 continues on?
- You recently wrote a book called A Town Called Sutherland Springs: Faith and Heroism Through Tragedy, revolving around your 2017 “hero with a gun” situation. Tell us more about how this came together, and why it’s such an important read right now.
- Where can people find your book?
- You can purchase the book here on Amazon, both in paperback and Kindle format.
- Where can we learn more about you, as well as Gun Owners of America?
- You can learn more at http://www.thebarefootdefender.com. You can also read more about the Gun Owners of America at https://www.gunowners.org/.
About Stephen Willeford…
Stephen represents Gun Owners of America and is known around the country as the “good guy with the gun” for helping stop the largest Texas mass shooting in the history of the state in 2017. He is available to speak about all gun rights issues, as well as the importance of Gun Owners of America. He is the author of the book A Town Called Sutherland Springs: Faith and Heroism Through Tragedy. You can read more about him at http://www.thebarefootdefender.com.
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