Sorry to dump so much all at once, but there's been so much hype -- and hyperventilating -- about this I decided to wait and see what happens.  There will still be more to come, as our current Democrat majority keeps doubling down as they get pushback from VA citizens, and they are determined to push through as much as they can.

It's worth paying attention, as a fair amount of this anti-gun stuff is being pushed in other states, too.  Here it's primarily been financed by Bloomberg; YMMV.

Looks like all the hype -- which even had some supposedly gun-friendly bloggers warning people to stay away -- came from the media.  And I have no doubt a fair amount came from Gov. Blackface Northam and his cronies.

https://armsandthelaw.com/archives/2020/01/rally_in_va_med.php

https://bearingarms.com/tom-k/2020/01/20/what-media-thinks-of-us/


Funny how reality doesn't look like anything the big news media dreams up.

https://www.policeone.com/gun-legislation-law-enforcement/articles/gun-rights-rally-in-va-capital-concludes-without-reports-of-violence-injury-mKW3pTjfV4EJqALy/

https://pjmedia.com/trending/antifa-infiltrator-gun-rally-goers-turn-on-protester-who-suggests-violence/

https://americanmilitarynews.com/2020/01/va-sheriffs-show-up-and-join-va-gun-rights-rally-photos/

https://pjmedia.com/trending/theres-one-huge-irony-gun-rights-activists-at-virginia-rally-keep-pointing-out/


The white supremacist thing seems to have fizzled, too.

https://twitter.com/CalebJHull/status/1219294854288678916

https://twitter.com/flop_gen/status/1219248451839516672/video/1


It's not just about guns.  VA Dems are pushing a lot of other stuff, apparently in an attempt to make their political hold permanent:

https://www.secondamendmentdaily.com/2020/01/dirty-politics-in-virginia-changing-the-rules-so-the-democrats-cant-lose-ever-again/


But someone else decided to put a fly in the ointment:

https://dailysounder.com/west-virginia-resolution-invites/

An impressive compilation of information.  Thank you for providing it for us.  I frequent some of the sites you referenced but others are new to me and I need to stay up to speed on how this phenomenon is developing.   As you pointed out - the whole thing was mis-characterized by the politicians as well as the media.  Not surprising these days but it illustrates the need to establish news sources and lines of communication independent of what has been acceptable in the past. 

I find the idea of entire counties seceding from Virginia and joining West Virginia en masse very intriguing.  Gerrymandering on steroids or the opening salvo of the second American Civil War?       The people responsible for the seismic shift in Virginia electoral politics will move heaven and earth to prevent that from happening but at some point the question comes down to whether government by the consent of the governed is still an operative principle in America.  Expect lawsuits.  Expect activism.  Expect turmoil.  Expect civil unrest and perhaps civil disobedience.  It seems we have all lived long enough to have entered the "interesting times" referenced in that famous, old, Chinese curse. 

Wait!  What!?  Prominent teleprompter readers promised me a spectacle of apocalyptic proportions.

Not one arson.  Not even a poorly thrown Molotov cocktail.  No looting.  No rioting.  No teargas.  No mass arrests.

I got very little for my infotainment dollar.

It's almost as if the mainstream media are 100% wrong about the RKBA community!

Wait!  What!?  Prominent teleprompter readers promised me a spectacle of apocalyptic proportions.

Not one arson.  Not even a poorly thrown Molotov cocktail.  No looting.  No rioting.  No teargas.  No mass arrests.

I got very little for my infotainment dollar.

It's almost as if the mainstream media are 100% wrong about the RKBA community!

We are all going to die! 

BTW, did you hear that Ruger is coming out with a new handgun?
It'll be call the "Congressman".  It doesn't work, and you can't fire it.

ummm. hell no.  You aint lumping ME with those treasonous scallywags.observe below: ALL of the Light Green are Patriot sanctuaries.All of the Dark Green are cess pits of treason.

That map reminds of the map showing the results of the last presidential election by county, nationwide.
Probably for the same demographic reasons, and yet another illustration of why small densely populated pockets should not be able to determine or dictate how the  rest conduct their affairs.

That's exactly the problem here.  In Virginia's last election, the same kind of map showed blue in the heavily populated "urban crescent" that extends from the DC suburbs down through Richmond to heavily populated Tidewater areas; the rest was red, with isolated blue pockets.  It's high time for an electoral college at the state level.

Couple more items concerning what's happening here:

This is the expertise that's driving the suppression of liberty here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=138&v=DlimCLccxpQ&feature=emb_logo

And this one includes the response of citizens in Free Virginia, with more detail and a 1A bit:

https://www.lawenforcementtoday.com/va-started-pushing-crazy-gun-laws-so-residents-just-bought-74000-more/

^This.^

They've been very good at their long game.

Here's what's now going to move between houses in the Virginia legislature -- here they call it "crossover day."  These are the bills that have passed House or Senate and will require passage by the other to be sent to the Gov.  You can see from the following lists that VA Dems are throwing in everything they can think of in the way of gun control.  Some -- like loss of gun rights when one is the subject of a permanent protective order --repeat something that's already in effect.  And SB436 I believe came from aliens.

(Lists are from Virginia Citizens' Defense League, VCDL, at vcdl.org)

Green bills are pro-gun.

HB 2 - Universal Background Checks, including for many simple transfers

HB 9 - requires reporting of lost or stolen firearms within 24 hours of the victim discovering the theft or loss

SB 14 - bump stock ban

SB 35 - allows localities to ban firearms at "permitted" events (like a parade or festival, etc.)

SB 64 - makes it illegal to intimidate someone while drilling, marching, or parading with a firearm

SB 67 - requires reporting of a lost/stolen firearm within 24 hours of discovery

SB 69 - Reinstates the old One Handgun A Month law, but without the exemption for CHP holders

SB 70 - Universal Background Checks

SB 71 - treats child day centers and preschools as if they are a K-12 school for purposes of a gun ban

SB 240 - Red Flag law

SB 263 - removes the online training option for getting a CHP

HB 264 - eliminates online training for CHP and recognition of NRA instructors for CHP training

SB 268 - sales tax exemption for gun safes that cost under $1,000

HB 421 - allows localities to create gun control

SB 436 - creates a Virginia Voluntary "Do Not Sell" firearms list with penalty for those who put themselves on the list and still attempt to purchase a firearm

SB 479 - takes away a person's gun rights for the duration of a permanent protection order

SB 543 - closed the non-existent gun-show loophole

SB 593 - makes a "day home" a gun-free zone, requiring guns to be locked up

HB 600 - makes a "day home" a gun-free zone, requiring guns to be locked up

HB 674 - Red Flag law

HB 812 - Reinstates the old One Handgun A Month law, but without the exemption for CHP holders

HB 888 - sales tax exemption for gun safes that cost under $1,500

HB 961 - "assault weapon," magazine, suppressor ban

HB 1004 - takes away a person's gun rights for the duration of a permanent protection order

]HB 1080 - takes away the ability for a special conservator of the peace to be able to carry on K-12 school grounds

HB 1083 - makes it a felony for someone under 18 to get access to a loaded firearm

****************************************************************

These are the bills that are dead for this year.  Again, green is pro-gun.

SB 13 - prohibits firearms and other weapons on Capitol Square buildings and grounds

SB 15 - prohibits firearms in buildings owned or leased by the Commonweatlh

SB 16 - "assault weapon" ban with no grandfathering

SB 18 - requires a person must be at least 21 to purchase a firearm and creates a Universal Background Check scheme

SB 51 - prohibits CHP holders from drinking while in a public park or public space

SB 75 - makes it a crime for someone under 18 to get access to a loaded firearm

HB 142 - takes away the option for online training to get a CHP

HB 161 - Constitutional Carry

HB 162 - waves sovereign immunity for government if person is killed or hurt in a gun-free zone

SB 173 - CHP holders can have stun weapons in vehicle on school property

HB 192 - requires a CHP applicant to show competency with a handgun

HB 224 - Constitutional Carry

HB 318 - prohibits ammunition on K-12 school grounds

HB 319 - requires armed security in a state "gun-free zone"

SB 353 - requires outdoor shooting ranges within 500 yards of property zoned for residential use to be requirements of various government agencies.

HB 373 - repeals church gun-ban

HB 425 - requires purchase of more than one firearm at a time be reported to the State Police

HB 426 - makes carrying of any loaded centerfire firearm illegal in certain localities with no exception for CHP holders

SB 476 - makes the State liable for attacks in school "gun-free zones"

SB 477 - makes the State liable for attacks in government "gun-free zones"

SB 490 - takes way gun rights for various misdemeanors

HB 567 - prohibits private indoor shooting ranges that employ more than 50 people or don't have law-enforcement officer as more than 90% of its customers

 HB 568 - requires a firearm in a motor vehicle or vessel be kept in a locked container, with exceptions for law-enforcement and CHP holders

HB 569 - would return reciprocity decisions to the Attorney General and State Police.  Currently Virginia honors all permits, no reciprocity needed

SB 581 - makes it a felony for someone under 18 to get access to a loaded firearm

HB 596 - repeals church gun-ban

HB 599 - prohibits carry in buildings owned or leased by the Commonwealth

SB 614 - adds Charlottesville and Albemarle County as places where carry of a loaded firearm with a magazine that can hold more than 20 rounds is prohibited

HB 669 - lets state employees carry concealed in workplace with CHP

SB 691 - creates a "school guardian" program to facilitate screening for persons who are authorized to carry a firearm on school property

HB 750 - prohibits CHP holders from drinking while in a public park or public space

SB 781 - makes it a crime to leave an unattended handgun in public view

HB 899 - made possession of "restricted ammunition" a crime

SB 901 - Constitutional Carry

SB 928 - allows 2A Sanctuaries to protect citizens against certain state gun-control laws

SB 934 - allows 2A Sanctuaries to protect citizens against certain state gun-control laws

HB 939 - firearm safety to be taught in schools

HB 958 - repeals church gun-ban

HB 960 - imposes a sales and use tax on firearms and ammunition

HB 1079 - prohibits firearms and other weapons on Capitol Square buildings and grounds

HB 1287 - prohibits any company that sells firearms to employ a person who cannot legally own a firearm

HB 1382 - waves sovereign immunity for government if person is killed or hurt in a gun-free zone

HB 1447 - prohibits carrying a loaded firearm in public if a person is under the influence of alcohol or drugs

HB 1485 - lets state employees carry concealed in workplace with CHP

HB 1486 - repeals church gun-ban

*******************************************************

The bill that's garnered the most attention is HB961, which was originally written to ban "assault weapons" (with AWs defined so broadly that almost any semi-auto rifle or pistol could have been banned) with the possibility of confiscation; it also was originally written to ban outright magazines holding more than ten rounds (with possession after 7/1/20 becoming a felony) and suppressors; all would have been with no grandfathering for already-owned items.  This was later altered to allow possession of ARs already owned, but only with registration.

Now, the bill has passed the House on a 51-48 vote, with 3 Dems opposing.  It has been softened somewhat, as reported by VCDL:

As passed by the House, the bill allows a person to keep their existing "assault firearm" (without registering it) and suppressor, but cannot buy any new ones and may not be able to repair the assault firearm.  Magazines that hold more than 12 rounds and bump stocks would need to be destroyed or removed from the Commonwealth by 1/1/2021.

The pressure is mounting against that bill, and there's some chance it could be defeated in the Senate, but the Gov is lobbying hard -- he needs some form of ban to pass, as that's what Mr. Bloomberg paid for.  And it remains to be seen what the final form will be after both bodies have had their hands on it.

Many of these other bills will pass; the one IMHO that could be the worst is the Red Flag bill, as that's been so badly abused elsewhere.  Most of these will not be enforceable in most of the state.  The count of 2A sanctuary/2A support resolutions stands at 91 (of 95) counties, 16 cities, and 34 towns.  Many sheriff's departments are on board, too.  Here's an ad VCDL has up:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaCXJHZ1Imc&feature=youtu.be

Right now, folks in my area are just waiting to see how this shakes out.  If our Gov continues his war on Virginians' rights it's likely to get ugly before it gets better.  I might be writing from West VA before it's over.

The spearhead of Virginia Gov. Northam's anti-gun platform has been defeated in the Senate Judiciary Committee.  HB961 was voted down in committee and will not be on the legislative agenda for this year.  According to VCDL, this bill's particulars include:


*    Makes possession of a large number of semi-automatic guns, classified as an "assault weapon" by this bill, a felony.  This includes many popular rifles, handguns, and shotguns!  You can keep any "assault weapons" you currently have, but you can't buy any more.  The wording is so poor that you probably won't be able to even fix a broken "assault weapon," as each part is classified as an "assault weapon"!  Gun dealers in Virginia won't be able to sell an "assault weapon" or any parts for one to anybody, include to gun owners in other states.  This will do severe financial harm to Virginia gun dealers.

*    Bans magazines that hold more than 12 rounds of ammunition.  There is NO grandfathering!  Possession of such a magazine (keeping it at home only) after January 1, 2021 will be a Class 1 misdemeanor.  However, transporting such a magazine is a felony!

*    Bans suppressors, making possession of one a felony.  You can keep any suppressors you currently have, but you cannot purchase any more and you won't be able to fix them if they break.

*    Bans bump stocks.  Any that you have must be destroyed by January 1, 2021.  Possession of one after that date is a felony.

(Quoted from a recent VA-ALERT by VCDL)

Four Democrat Senators voted with all of the Republicans on committee to defeat the bill by a 10-5 vote.  It will be tabled to another committee, and could be brought up again next year.  (I'm guessing those four may want to run for office again.)

While a long list of bad bills is before the legislature, and many will probably be passed, this defeat is a serious slap in the face to Northam -- this was his signature anti-gun bill -- and to his benefactor Michael Bloomberg. 

This is a good win, but Virginia is still being dragged toward East-California status by all the other irons in the Dem fire -- including a move to surrender all VA's electoral votes to the popular vote winner in presidential elections, no matter who wins the state.  The war is still on.

Thank you.  And I agree with your assessment.  So far, at least, things are looking a little better as three pieces of legislation - very similar to what has been filed in Virginia - have been declared DOA both in the state senate and from the governor's office should they pass through the legislature.   Still, our conservative leaning majority in the legislature is a slim one.  Uncomfortably so.   

The opposition is relentless, well funded and unscrupulous.   A dogged, unrelenting, purpose driven opposition to them is going to be required to prevail over the long term.  We have a lot of work to do and maybe not much time to do it in.  It will require a significant investment of our time, talent and resources but the alternative is unacceptable so its time to rally the rest of the state's gun owners and like minded conservative leaning voters to the cause. 

I retired recently and thought it might be nice to take it easy and enjoy some much needed R&R but it appears that our political opponents aren't going to leave us that option.  Peace and prosperity sounds great but it takes work.  Sometimes a lot of it.  And, way down at the bottom of the page there's that paragraph that mentions blood, sweat and tears as part of the agreement.  Why am I not surprised?