Brady Statement on Virginia Senate Passage of Safe Storage, Assault Weapons Ban, Industry Accountability Legislation

Washington, D.C., January 31, 2023 – This week the Virginia Senate passed a slate of gun violence prevention bills, including regulation on ghost guns, an assault weapons ban, and safe storage legislation that would mandate all firearms be stored inaccessible to children under the age of 18. The legislation follows the incident of a six-year-old child obtaining a firearm and shooting his teacher in Newport News, Va.

Kris Brown, native Virginian and president of Brady, released the following statement:

“These bills, combined, would reduce gun violence and protect Virginia communities and families, especially as instances of gun violence are rising across the Commonwealth.”

“Sen. Boysko’s sensible and evidence-based safe storage legislation addresses the issue of family fire, where unsecured firearms in homes lead to devastating consequences that can result from a child gaining access to them. When firearms are locked and unloaded, the risk of death by suicide and unintentional shootings among youth is reduced by 73%. Additionally, three-quarters of school shootings are facilitated by kids' access to guns at home."

“We commend the Senate on its commitment to the safety of all Virginians and call on the House of Delegates , act in the interest of public safety, and pass these lifesaving bills without delay. Every day of delay results in more unnecessary firearm deaths."