Democrat Who Sponsored VA Gun Ban Cites Wrong Data

A newly passed gun control measure in Virginia is drawing scrutiny after the Democratic lawmaker behind the bill justified the legislation by referencing mass shootings that were carried out with handguns rather than the rifles the law targets.

Virginia State Sen. Saddam Salim (D) sponsored Senate Bill 749, a sweeping “assault weapons” ban aimed primarily at AR-15s and other semiautomatic rifles. The legislation passed through the Democrat-controlled legislature on March 9, 2026.

But critics say the reasoning Salim used to promote the measure raises serious questions.

According to Reason magazine’s Jacob Sullum, Salim pointed to the April 16, 2007 Virginia Tech massacre as one of the key motivations behind introducing the legislation. That attack remains the deadliest school shooting in U.S. history.

However, the perpetrator in the Virginia Tech shooting did not use a rifle. He carried out the attack using two handguns.

Salim also referenced another high-profile tragedy when discussing the need for the ban. In an article published in the Falls Church News Press when he first introduced the legislation, Salim cited the May 31, 2019 Virginia Beach mass shooting.

Once again, the weapon used in that attack was not an AR-15 or a similar semiautomatic rifle. The Virginia Beach shooter used a handgun.

Despite those details, the legislation targets rifles such as the AR-15, one of the most popular firearms owned by civilians in the United States.

Democratic lawmakers ultimately passed the measure after including a key provision designed to ease concerns from current gun owners.

The bill contains a grandfather clause allowing Virginians who already possess the affected firearms to keep them after the law takes effect on July 1, 2026.

However, the restrictions still go far beyond simply halting future sales.