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Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced Friday a special legislative session for the month of July on firearms measures following the massive shooting in Virginia Beach that left 12 dead and several injured.
Apparently, mocking the usual reaction of human rights activists to armed violence, the Democratic governor said that "votes and laws, not thoughts and prayers" were the best way to respond to the rampage May 31st by DeWayne Craddock, an employee of the city. Craddock used two .45 caliber semi-automatic handguns, a silencer and extended magazines to kill 12 people in a municipal building.
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He was killed in an exchange of gunfire with the Virginia Beach Police.
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam delivered a speech at a press conference on gun violence in the state, inside the Patrick Henry Building, in Richmond, Virginia, on Monday. Tuesday, June 4, 2019. (Bob Brown / Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP)
Northam wants lawmakers to consider banning mufflers, like the one used during last week's shoot, as well as verifying universal background.
The Republican-led General Assembly does not seem willing to consider tougher gun control measures. Republican leaders said they would propose harsher penalties for those who use firearms to commit crimes, including new mandatory minimum sentences.
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"We believe that fighting gun violence begins with holding criminals accountable for their actions and not violating the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens," said GOP Chair Kirk Cox on Tuesday.
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Craddock had no criminal record and would have bought the weapons legally used during his attack.
Northam has previously advocated for expanded gun control legislation and earned the F rating from the National Rifle Association. Virginia is considered a gun-friendly state and home to the NRA.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
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