Gov. Spanberger's tweaked definition still targets America's most popular rifles
The reconvening session will consider Spanberger's amendments that tinker with the definition of "assault weapon" โ a made-up political term designed to demonize semi-automatic firearms owned by millions of law-abiding Americans. The bill's sponsor already expects the changes to sail through without resistance.
Make no mistake: whether they call it an "assault weapon" or dress it up with new language, this legislation targets the same constitutionally-protected firearms. Spanberger's amendments are lipstick on a pig โ cosmetic changes to an unconstitutional power grab that criminalizes common sporting rifles.
Virginia gun owners should flood their delegates' phone lines before Wednesday's vote. The Second Amendment doesn't come with an asterisk, and no amount of legislative wordsmithing changes that fundamental truth.