Assault Weapons Ban Introduced By Fairfax Legislator

FAIRFAX, VA — A bill that would ban assault weapons in Virginia starting July 1 was introduced Wednesday by State Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim (D-37th), who represents central Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and parts of Falls Church.

“Gun violence is an epidemic in this country — and we need to take action to stop it," Salim said, in a release. "In crafting this legislation, I consulted with public safety experts, legislators around the country, and survivors of gun violence who have turned their pain into action and made this change possible."

The bill, SB749, seeks to prohibit the importation, sale, and possession of assault firearms and certain ammunition feeding devices.

“I support the Constitution, the entire Constitution, including the Second Amendment," said Sen. Creigh Deeds (D-11), chief co-patron of the bill. "I grew up on a farm in rural Virginia and spent countless hours in the woods hunting. Responsible gun ownership and use was a part of life. But there is nothing in our Constitution, or in any of the jurisprudence, that guarantees anybody the right to own and possess an assault-style weapon.”

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During the 2024 and 2025 legislative sessions, Salim introduced bills that aimed to restrict access to assault weapons. Although the Virginia General Assembly passed both bills, they were eventually vetoed by former Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

“Students in America today are asked to do drills and prepare mentally for the likelihood of a school shooter," Salim said. "Parents live in fear of getting that phone call. Our police officers go every day into dangerous situations made more dangerous by the presence of weapons of war. This legislation will save lives in our commonwealth, and bring safety and security back to our schools, places of worship, and other public spaces.”