Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam to push gun control in special session after Virginia Beach shooting

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam will call a special session of the state legislature to push gun control legislation after a shooter killed a dozen people in Virginia Beach on Friday.

The Democratic governor is planning to call the legislative session later this summer, according to the Associated Press. Virginia Republicans in the state legislature have rebuffed previous pushes for stricter gun control, but Republican Senate Majority Leader Tommy Norment signaled on Monday that his party is willing to negotiate on banning large-capacity magazines.

“It’s an emergency here in Virginia, and it’s time to take action,” Northam said. “Every one of these pieces of legislation will save lives.”

Last week, a gunman stormed a government building in Virginia Beach, killing 12 people and injuring six more. The rampage stopped when police killed the gunman in a shoot-out. One police officer was injured and likely saved by his bullet-proof vest.

Hours after news of the shooting began to circulate, many notable Democrats began echoing calls for action on guns. Many of the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates used the occasion to push their own gun proposals.

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