18 miles. That’s the distance protesters, marchers, and gun control advocates will walk from the National Rifle Association (NRA) headquarters in Fairfax to the Department of Justice in Washington DC.
Virginia gun control activists have organized a monthly protest on the 14th of every month at the NRA headquarters. The protests began in January 2013, one month after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
The protest this month will be joined by leaders of the Women’s March to call on the NRA to stop its practice of intimidation and fear-mongering. Participants will march together to continue their non-violent advocacy for the civil and human rights of all people.
What fear-mongering?
At the end of June, the NRA released a video recruiting new members. The video is just short of calling for a civil war. It’s upset parents, families, liberals, and conservatives alike.
This video came just weeks after a jury in Minnesota acquitted the officer who fatally shot Philando Castile, while sitting lawfully in a car.
Also in June, 31 people were killed by guns in Virginia and 87 were injured.
Among other things, Virginia law does not:
- Require a background check before transferring a firearm between unlicensed individuals;
- Require firearms dealers, purchasers, or owners to get a state license
- Regulate the transfer or possession of 50 caliber rifles or large capacity ammunition magazines;
- Require firearm owners to report lost or stolen firearms;
- Impose a waiting period prior to purchase of a firearm; or
- Regulate unsafe handguns (“junk guns” or “Saturday night specials”)
Earlier this year, illegal gun traffickers praised Virginia — for being the best state to traffic in firearms.
Some have introduced common-sense gun control laws in the General Assembly. However, entrenched Republicans are smitten with the gun lobby.
What You Can Do
First, join the march if you’re available. You can find all the details you need here. There is also a rally in Washington, DC on Saturday.
Second, there’s an election coming in November. Let’s put people in office who will stand up to the gun lobby and fight for the safety of all Virginians.
Make sure you’re registered to vote.