Statement on Special Session

Jun 18 | News

June 18, 2019 | Press Release
Contact: 540-999-8218

Fauquier, VA – Today, Delegate Michael J. Webert released the following statement regarding the upcoming Special Legislative Session Called for by Governor Ralph Northam.

“Over the past two weeks, I have been asked to give multiple statements on the Virginia Beach shooting but declined out of respect for the families and individuals that lost their lives. Unfortunately, the Governor and my Democratic colleagues couldn’t resist the urge to push their political agenda and call for more meaningless gun control laws in the wake of this tragedy.”

“As you may have heard, the Governor has called a Special Session of the General Assembly to reconvene in July to promote the radical anti-gun agenda that he brought before us and failed to advance this past legislative session.”

“Let’s be clear: none of the proposed gun laws would have prevented this monster from killing these innocent individuals. The Governor and the Democrats have conveniently left out the fact that Virginia Beach already has gun laws on the books that should have, in theory, prevented this from happening.”

“One, suppressors are illegal in Virginia Beach. They are banned by local ordinance. Two, the shooting happened in a municipal building that was a ‘gun-free’ zone. Three, the shooter (whose name I refuse to publicize) went through a rigorous background process to obtain a suppressor for his weapons.”

“Additionally, the Virginia Beach Police have already stated there are no laws that could have prevented this tragedy.”

“Instead of engaging in kneejerk and emotional policy proposals that seek to undermine our Second Amendment rights and punish law-abiding citizens, I will continue to stand up for the rights of Virginians.”

“If the Governor is serious about addressing violence, he will reconsider the legislation he vetoed earlier this year that would keep repeat domestic abusers in jail for a longer period of time. He should also consider legislation that punishes violent offenders and ensures they stay incarcerated for their crimes, not released early.”

“I look forward to returning to Richmond in July to work on actual common-sense legislation that makes our Commonwealth and communities a safer place.”

Michael Webert is a Virginia farmer who represents the 18th district, an area that covers all of Rappahannock, and portions of Fauquier, Warren, and Culpeper counties in the Virginia House of Delegates. He is currently serving his third term in the legislature, and sits on the following committees: Militia, Police and Public Safety; Commerce and Labor; Counties, Cities, and Towns.