Virginia Gov. Youngkin vetoes 30 anti-gun bills, keeping law-abiding citizens armed and Democrats angry



Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) blew away 30 bills this week that he figured encroached on the rights of law-abiding citizens, including a Democratic bill prohibiting the sale or possession of new so-called "assault" rifles.

Among the bills Youngkin ultimately shot down were:

  • HB 2, a Democratic bill that would ban the sale or possession of new "assault rifles";
  • HB 454, a Democratic bill that would have criminalized an otherwise law-abiding citizen's possession of a firearm in a building owned or operated by a college or university — which Youngkin noted was unnecessary granted the present ability of institutions of higher education to implement prohibitions on their respective campuses;
  • HB 585, a Democratic bill that would have barred firearms sales within 1.5 miles of an elementary or middle school — which the governor said appeared "unconstitutional, retaliatory, and arbitrary";
  • HB 799, a Democratic bill that would have required the submission of fingerprints with an application for a concealed handgun permit or permit renewal — which Youngkin said "targets individuals already subject to background checks and mandatory training, creating superfluous and onerous restrictions on responsible citizens exercising their Second Amendment right to self-defense";
  • SB 273, a Democratic bill that would have required a waiting period to purchase a firearm — which Youngkin said would "impede individuals facing threats of violence from promptly acquiring a firearm for self-defense";
  • HB 798, a Democratic bill that would have barred Virginians with a misdemeanor conviction of assault and battery or stalking from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm;
  • SB 99, a Democratic bill that would have banned the carrying of so-called "assault firearms" in public areas; and
  • SB 327, a Democratic bill prohibiting any American under the age of 21 from purchasing a handgun or "assault firearm" — which Youngkin indicated would render meaningless the constitutionally protected right to possess a firearm for those under 21.

The Washington Post noted that in Youngkin's first two years in office, Republican lawmakers successfully prevented gun-grab legislation from advancing in the House of Delegates. This spared the governor from having to evidence his support for the Second Amendment.

However, with majorities in both the state House and Senate, Democrats apparently figured they could advance their agenda or at the very least expose the governor as a defender of the Constitution.

Youngkin said in a statement, "I swore an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of Virginia, and that absolutely includes protecting the right of law-abiding Virginians to keep and bear arms."

The governor did, however, ratify a bill preventing parents from "willfully allowing a child who poses a credible threat of violence to access a firearm" as well as a bill banning the manufacture, transfer, or possession of an auto sear — a device that converts semi-automatic firearms into automatic weapons. Neither of these bills were opposed by the Citizens Defense League.

"I am pleased to sign four public safety bills which are commonsense reforms with significant bipartisan support from the General Assembly, and offer recommendations to several bills which, if adopted, will make it harder for criminals to use guns in the commission of a violent act," added Youngkin.

The governor's vetoes were not well received by Democratic lawmakers, who do not have two-thirds majorities required to override them.

Democratic state Sen. Creigh Deeds complained on X, writing, "2 more of my bills, prospectively banning assault style weapons, and keeping guns off college campuses are being vetoed. Shameful and unthinking action!"

Deeds' colleague, state Sen. Mamie Locke (D), responded, "Consider the source. Guns for everybody, no redemption for anyone, suppress the vote and voters and tax cuts for millionaires. Who's backwards?"

Heather Williams, the president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, claimed, "Republicans continue to make it clear that they care more about guns than people."

The National Rifle Association, on the other hand, lauded Youngkin's resolve.

"Governor Glenn Youngkin's courageous veto of dozens of ill-conceived gun control bills is a resounding victory for the Second Amendment in Virginia," Randy Kozuch, NRA executive director, said in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital.

"His refusal to bow to unconstitutional overreach — stopping widespread bans on semi-automatic firearms, blocking ill-conceived laws like arbitrary waiting periods, and unjust age restrictions — underscores his fierce commitment to safeguarding our fundamental rights," continued Kozuch. "This is a clear message: Virginia stands firm against the erosion of our liberties."

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Rifle-toting intruder forces his way into home in middle of night. Homeowner puts him in chokehold; cops find intruder dead.



A rifle-toting intruder forced his way into home in Midland, Texas, early Saturday morning — but the homeowner put the intruder in chokehold, and police said they found the intruder dead.

What are the details?

Midland police said George Samuel Butler, 37, entered a home in the 1400 block of Daventry Place “by force with a rifle," MRT.com reported, after which the homeowner placed the suspect in a chokehold "in an apparent case of self-defense."

Police said they responded to the scene just after 4 a.m. after a report of a disturbance with weapons and found Butler dead, the outlet added.

MRT.com noted that the police department's Crimes Against Persons Unit and Crime Scene Unit also responded to the scene, next of kin were notified, and the investigation into the fatality continued.

Not the first instance

MRT.com added that Butler was previously arrested for burglarizing a home in Midland.

The outlet, citing police, said a woman stated in July 2022 that "Butler had kicked in her front door."

Arriving police said officers saw Butler through windows of a residence searching a room and looking under beds — and cops also saw pieces of the front door frame hanging, MRT.com reported.

More from the outlet:

Officers made several announcements for Butler to exit the residence, but he refused and shut the door, preventing officers from conducting their duties. When officers entered the residence and attempted to place him in handcuffs, Butler started fighting an officer and placed him in a headlock. The officer was able to take Butler to the ground before placing him, with the help of other officers, in handcuffs. The officer also sustained a bloody nose.

MRT.com said Butler was arrested for assault on a peace officer/judge, a second-degree felony; burglary of habitations, a second-degree felony; and two misdemeanor charges. The outlet reported that he was held on a $57,000 bond.

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Federal judge once again deems California's 'assault weapons' ban unconstitutional, noting 'guns in the hands of law-abiding responsible citizens are necessary'



A federal judge ruled Thursday against California's so-called "assault weapons" ban, reaffirming law-abiding citizens' right to defend themselves in the crime-ridden Democrat-run state.

U.S. District Court Judge Roger Benitez stressed once again that the ban and related statutes were unconstitutional, serving not only to trample Americans' Second Amendment rights but also to leave them outgunned by criminals to whom such laws mean nothing.

The background

The Roberti-Roos Assault Weapons Control Act of 1989 made it such than any firearm on a list specified in the state's penal code was considered an "assault weapon." Such firearms became illegal to purchase, keep for sale, offer for sale, expose for sale, give, lend, manufacture, distribute, or import. Additional prohibitions were built atop this act over time.

Benitez previously struck down the ban in 2021, noting, "Like the Swiss Army Knife, the popular AR-15 rifle is a perfect combination of home defense weapon and homeland defense equipment. ... Yet, the State of California makes it a crime to have an AR-15 type rifle. Therefore, this Court declares the California statutes to be unconstitutional."

State Attorney General Rob Bonta appealed the ruling and petitioned for a stay. The Ninth Circuit subsequently put a hold on Benitez's ruling. Following the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 reaffirmation of Americans' Second Amendment Rights in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, the Ninth Circuit remanded the case back to the federal district court on Aug. 1, 2022.

This week, Benitez ruled on the remanded case.

The ruling

Judge Benitez's Thursday decision greatly resembled his previous ruling, although this time around he opted for a Bowie knife in his opening metaphor contra the Swiss Army knife from before.

"Like the Bowie Knife which was commonly carried by citizens and soldiers in the 1800s, 'assault weapons' are dangerous, but useful. But unlike the Bowie Knife, the United States Supreme Court has said, '[t]here is a long tradition of widespread lawful gun ownership by private individuals in this country,'" wrote Benitez.

"The American tradition is rich and deep in protecting a citizen's enduring right to keep and bear common arms like rifles, shotguns, and pistols," continued the judge. "The 'assault weapon' prohibition has no historical pedigree and it is extreme."

The judge, who just weeks ago ruled against California's high-capacity magazine ban, also noted that law-abiding Americans have an interest in not being "outgunned" by the state's many criminals, particularly when "crime happens a lot."

Benitez also noted that those seeking to trample the Second Amendment tend to focus on stories of criminal gun use, but neglect the millions of instances in which law-abiding citizens use firearms to save innocent lives and restore order.

In his conclusion, Benitez wrote, "The State's attempt to ban these popular firearms creates the extreme policy that a handful of criminals can dictate the conduct and infringe on the freedom of law-abiding citizens. ... There is only one policy enshrined in the Bill of Rights. Guns and ammunition in the hands of criminals, tyrants and terrorists are dangerous; guns in the hands of law-abiding responsible citizens are necessary."

Deeming the ban unconstitutional, he struck it down. Benitez did, however, grant the state 10 days to seek a stay from the Court of Appeals.

The reaction

Gov. Newsom called the ruling "radical," suggesting that Benitez's comparison of a rifle to a Bowie knife "is a direct insult to every victim of a mass shooting and their families."

"Californians’ elected representatives decided almost 35 years ago that weapons of war have no place in our communities. Today, Judge Benitez decided that he knows better, public safety be damned," continued Newsom. "Judge Benitez is hellbent on making it more dangerous for our kids to go to school, for families to go to the mall, or to attend a place of worship. We are working with Attorney General Rob Bonta to fight this extreme and logically incoherent ruling and keep California safer, but we should not have to go get Judge Benitez overturned every time he decides to write a love letter to the gun lobby."

Bonta claimed in a statement that the decision was "dangerous and misguided," vowing to "work vigorously to reverse it on appeal."

John Dillon, an attorney for the pro-Constitution plaintiffs who sued to overturn the ban, indicated his clients were "very happy" about the decision, reported the Los Angeles Times.

"It seems like the court has applied the standards properly and correctly. There's no doubt about it," said Dillon. "We're glad that our plaintiffs' rights are going to be respected."

According to the CATO Institute's "Freedom in the 50 States" index, California is second-last in the country in terms of gun rights.

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Exclusive: Texas Lawsuit Could Freeze Biden’s Attempt To Turn Pistol Brace Owners Into Felons, With New Injunction Request

Paxton argues the regulation unconstitutionally taxes citizens for exercising their Second Amendment rights, is arbitrary and capricious, and is unconstitutionally vague.

Man killed after dog steps on gun



A man passed away in Kansas last weekend after apparently being fatally shot in a freak accident when a dog caused a rifle to fire.

The Sumner County Sheriff's Office reportedly indicated that the animal stepped on the gun, causing the firearm to discharge — the round hit the man, who passed away from his injuries.

NBC News reported that Wellington Fire and EMS Chief Tim Hay said that another individual who was located in the driver's seat was not hurt.

The deceased man, Joseph Smith, was reportedly just 30 years old.

The Wichita Eagle, citing, Capt. Roger Church, reported that the man and a friend had been hunting doe — the firearm belonged to the friend, Church noted, according to the outlet.

It appears that a GoFundMe campaign has been set up in response to the man's death. The campaign by Browns Plumbing Services has raised more than $8,000 so far.

"My name is Chris, and I am creating this on behalf of the Smith family in order to help with the funeral and memorial costs of our beloved employee, Joe Smith, who unexpectedly was taken from us over the weekend," a message on the GoFundMe campaign page reads. "Joe is absolutely the most unique individual I have had the pleasure of meeting. He was loved by all of us from all walks of life and loved the same. He made us laugh every morning whether it was at him or because of him he always made sure to be a positive light at my company. No matter how bad or stressful my or our day was, Joe always had something to lift our spirits. I have been a plumber for a long time and met many many different guys but never have I met another Joe and I am confident there may not be another."

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Rifle raffle to raise money for youth football players, cheerleaders in N. Carolina community blasted with backlash — but then support rolls in from across country



A rifle raffle to raise money for youth football players and cheerleaders in a North Carolina community was blasted with backlash recently — but when the league's story went national, support for its endeavor rolled in from across country, Fox News reported.

What are the details?

The East Henderson Youth Football and Cheerleading League in East Flat Rock — about a half hour southeast of Asheville and with just over 6,000 people — offered the winner of its raffle an FN 15 Patrol Carbine M-LOK 16", an ArmaLite 15-style rifle with a suggested retail price of $1,299, the cable network said.

Football players in the parent-run league range in age from 5 to 13 years old, and cheer team members range in age from 4 to 13 years old, Fox News said, citing the EHYFCL.

When word got out about the raffle, the cable network said the league was hit with criticism — yet refused to cave.

"We kicked off this fundraiser with the expectation that it would raise enough money to purchase a few new shoulder pads, some new padded football pants, which we are in desperate need of, and have enough funds to get us through to next season," a mother with the league told Fox News. "What we never expected was for a parent to take her grievances to the local news station instead of having a conversation with us. That is particularly frustrating. We certainly didn't expect to be headline news across the nation."

The parent said the rifle raffle is inappropriate for a children's league and told WLOS-TV, "I was honestly shocked when I received the message that the children were going to be selling an assault rifle because of what’s going on at schools around the country." The parent added to the local station, “I thought it was in very bad taste for them to choose a weapon that is being used against children."

Pushback against the pushback

But the mother with the league told Fox News that initial stories about the raffle were full of "false headlines, misleading reports, and inaccurate information," and that some articles "took direct quotes from our page and changed our very own words to advance their own narrative."

The cable network said in its Sept. 4 article about the backlash, the mother with the league indicated that the raffle met legal requirements — and that the rifle in question is not an assault rifle.

"Some reports even added information that puts our children in more danger than selling tickets to a legal raffle ever would," the mother added, according to Fox News. "Our practice locations were broadcast in one article; other articles reported us as schools in our area. We've received hate mail, nasty messages, uninformed opinions, pushback ..."

Support starts rolling in

She noted to the cable network that once folks around the country started hearing about the attacks against the league and its raffle, support came rolling in.

"In a time when our world has felt so small, so godless, so dark and so lonely, our world grew brighter this past week," she told Fox News. "From coast to coast there has been an overwhelming wave of support for not only [for] our league, but our community as well."

The mother added to the cable network that "there are not many states we haven't had at least one person reach out from."

'We have far surpassed our goals'

She also told Fox News that the support has translated into tangible gains.

"We have far surpassed our goals and now have the ability to pass those blessings on to others in need," she added to the cable network. "We have read every message, transaction note, and email that has come our way. The supportive messages are coming from both retired and active military personnel, law enforcement officers, firefighters, fellow youth organization leaders, teachers, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and grandparents trying to save our backwards society."

The mother with the league also told Fox News that supporters deserve thanks for "teaching [our children] to have a backbone, to stand up for what they believe in, to protect our constitutional rights, and to not back down to bullying. Everyone wants to talk about bullying, but no one wants to stand up against them. When someone finally does stand up, they are the ones who are punished, not the bully. We've all had enough."

The below video isn't related to the raffle but does show the kind of rifle that's being offered:

FNH FN15 Patrol Carbineyoutu.be

Navy veteran grabs his rifle after spotting prowlers outside his home — then a furious shootout erupts: 'I knew I had to act'



Navy veteran Whitfield Smith grabbed his rifle after spotting prowlers outside his Georgia home in the middle of the night last week — and a furious shootout erupted after he headed to his driveway to get a closer look.

Much of the scary encounter was captured on surveillance video.

What are the details?

WAGA-TV characterized Smith's neighborhood near Jonesboro — about 30 minutes south of Atlanta — as "quiet."

It was anything but in the early morning hours of July 11 after Smith saw potential trouble outside his home, the station said.

"As I keep looking at the Ring camera I noticed a young man running from the neighbor's yard across my yard and into the street to meet up with two other gentlemen," he told the station.

Image source: WAGA-TV video screenshot

Then things got scarier for Smith, as one of the individuals headed down his driveway.

"I can see from the camera he’s hunched down wearing a gray hoodie, and he has a firearm in his hand. He tries to get into the BMW in the driveway. The door's locked," Smith recounted to WAGA.

Image source: WAGA-TV video screenshot

"My first thought was to protect my house and protect my property," Smith told WAGA. "I just wanted to get the intruders away."

Whitfield SmithImage source: WAGA-TV video screenshot

'I grab my rifle, and I head outside'

"I grab my rifle, and I head outside," he told the station.

Smith was shirtless and wearing only flip-flops and pajama pants in that moment — but the main thing on his mind was protecting his wife who was hiding inside their home, WAGA noted.

"I knew I had to act,” Smith added, according to Inside Edition.

Surveillance video shows Smith approaching his driveway — he later added to WAGA that the armed individual was using his truck as a shield — and then a shootout erupted.

Image source: WAGA-TV video screenshot

Smith is then seen quickly backpedaling toward his home, kicking off his flip-flops, and heading back inside.

Image source: WAGA-TV video screenshot

He soon returned to the driveway with a shirt and shoes on.

Image source: WAGA-TV video screenshot

“I could hear them trying to get away," he added, according to Inside Edition. "They're jumping over fences."

'I survived Afghanistan and everywhere else'

While Smith was uninjured, he added to the station he fears he would be dead if it weren't for his BMW shielding him from the nearly two dozen bullets fired in his direction.

Image source: WAGA-TV video screenshot

"I don’t want to die at home. I survived Afghanistan and everywhere else. To die at home? In my own yard?" an incredulous Smith — who's also a father — reflected to WAGA.

Image source: WAGA-TV video screenshot

"This was coordinated," he told WAGA of the incident. "They were working together as a team to get this done."

Anything else?

The station added that a gun which was inside Smith's truck was stolen, and that those who know anything about what took place can contact Clayton County police anonymously.

Crook holds gun to back of man's head, steals rifle he was open carrying. But victim heads to his vehicle, pulls out another gun, and shoots crook.



A 31-year-old man held a gun to back of a man's head outside a St. Louis-area grocery store last Friday afternoon and stole the rifle the man was open carrying, KSDK-TV reported.

But the victim apparently had a backup plan.

Police said he headed to his vehicle, pulled out another gun, and shot the man who stole his rifle, the station said.

What are the details?

Shortly before the incident unfolded, a customer with a rifle entered Wellston Food Market at 6250 Page Ave., KSDK reported, citing Major Ron Martin with the North County Police Cooperative.

Martin told the station the customer was open carrying the rifle in a gun sleeve underneath an article of clothing and didn't threaten anyone inside the store. The station's video broadcast said the rifle was in the style of an AR-15.

But after the customer departed the store, a man held a pistol to the back of the customer's head and stole his rifle, KSDK said, citing a probable cause statement.

After handing over his rifle, the victim headed to his vehicle, grabbed another gun, and fired at the alleged stick-up man, the station said, adding that a shootout between the two commenced.

What happened next?

The alleged rifle thief was hit several times by gunfire, KSDK said. Two women not involved in the altercation also were shot, the station said, adding that their injuries weren't life threatening.

Video of the shooting aftermath shows at least one car with a shattered window.

Image source: YouTube screenshot

The station said over a dozen bullets were fired.

Image source: YouTube screenshot

The victim whose rifle was stolen fled the scene, KSDK reported, adding that police believe a third man arrived soon after, shot the alleged robber, and took off.

When police arrived at the scene, they found a wounded Bobby Lee Booker Jr. lying in front of the grocery store, the station said, adding that he was taken to a hospital in critical condition and was still there Wednesday.

Police told the station they recovered the alleged robber's vehicle.

It's unclear if the three men know each other, KSDK said.

Booker is charged with armed criminal action, first-degree robbery, and two counts each of unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm, the station said, adding that his cash-only bond is $500,000.

Suspect, 2 bystanders injured in shootout outside St. Louis County grocery storeyoutu.be

18-year-old Florida man arrested over post showing him with rifle, handgun, tactical-style vest — and asking Siri for 'directions to the nearest school'



An 18-year-old Florida man was arrested over a social media post showing him with a rifle, handgun, and tactical-style vest along with a caption reading, “Hey Siri, directions to the nearest school."

What are the details?

After receiving a tip about the post, detectives arrested Corey Anderson at his home near Tampa on Sunday, WKMG-TV reported, adding that he was charged with a written or electronic threat to conduct a mass shooting or act of terrorism.

“This type of threat is unacceptable," Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. "This man intentionally instilled fear into our community as a sick joke, but be warned, this is no laughing matter."

Detectives determined the handgun and rifle in question are airsoft guns.

Anderson was booked into jail and released on bond, WKMG said, citing jail records.

“We will do everything within our power to apprehend, and pursue charges on those who make school-based threats," Chronister added in his statement. "Protecting students is our greatest priority. We take school threats very seriously, if you see something suspicious, please contact us immediately.”

'We are getting threats'

A woman who identified herself as Anderson's mother was reached at his home and told WFLA-TV that reports in the media haven't been accurate, but she wouldn't discuss details.

She also said her family has been receiving threats.

“Beyond that there is no comment," she told WFLA. "We are getting threats at this time; it’s very scary, very scary." She added to the station that her family has hired an attorney.

Lutz teen threatens school shooting in chilling post, deputies sayyoutu.be

Anything else?

Also in Florida over the weekend, a 10-year-old boy was arrested after allegedly threatening to carry out a mass shooting.

The Lee County sheriff’s office said it learned on Saturday of a threatening text message sent by a fifth-grade student at Patriot Elementary School in Cape Coral.

The School Threat Enforcement Team was immediately notified and began analytical research, the sheriff's office said, adding that the Youth Services Criminal Investigations Division assumed the case.

Detectives interviewed the suspect and determined there was probable cause for his arrest, authorities said, adding that the boy was charged with making a written threat to conduct a mass shooting.

Video: Rifle Kyle Rittenhouse used in self-defense to kill two attackers, injure a third is destroyed 'by mechanical shredding'



The rifle Kyle Rittenhouse used in self-defense to kill two attackers and wound a third amid Kenosha, Wisconsin, rioting in the summer of 2020 has been destroyed — and the moment was documented on video.

What are the details?

The Wisconsin State Crime Lab destroyed rifle Feb. 25; it had been in police custody since the August 2020 shootings, WISN-TV reported.

In the video, a cardboard box is opened which contains a Smith & Wesson AR-15 rifle along with a red-dot sight and a 30-round magazine. Officials verify that the rifle is from the Rittenhouse case and declare it will be destroyed "by mechanical shredding."

With that, the rifle is then placed into the shredder, followed by the sight and the magazine.

Image source: WTMJ-TV video screenshot

Image source: WTMJ-TV video screenshot

All that's left is a pile of scraps:

Image source: WTMJ-TV video screenshot

Anything else?

Rittenhouse’s attorneys and prosecutors agreed in January that the gun would be destroyed, the Associated Press said, adding that Rittenhouse’s lead attorney, Mark Richards, said Rittenhouse didn’t want someone to buy it and turn it into a trophy. The AP added that the agreement called for the process to be recorded.

WISN said it was the same reason Rittenhouse wanted his clothing back from the night of the shooting.

Rittenhouse was 17 at the time of the shooting, which is too young to buy a firearm in Wisconsin, the AP said, adding that his friend, Dominick Black, bought the rifle for him earlier that year. The outlet added that Black pleaded no contest in January to contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

A Kenosha jury in November found Rittenhouse not guilty of killing Anthony Huber and Joseph Rosenbaum and not guilty of wounding Gaige Grosskreutz, agreeing that Rittenhouse acted in self-defense in a murder trial that captured international attention.

After his acquittal, leftists exploded with rage. Talking heads and celebrities suffered meltdowns. President Joe Biden — who referred to Rittenhouse as a white supremacist — said he was "angry and concerned" over the verdict. And protests erupted across the country, with agitators launching urine and chanting "burn it down" and spray-painting "kill Kyle" graffiti.

As for Rittenhouse, he said last month that he would look into filing lawsuits against Whoopi Goldberg of "The View" and the Young Turks' Cenk Uygur, along with politicians, news organizations, athletes, and other celebrities "for the lies they said" about him.