The election decision of 2025 has been devastating for millions of Americans. While it may seem bleak today, it’s important to understand that even if progress may slow down during the Trump presidency, there are many ways we can continue to advance stronger protections against gun violence.
Understand the Broader Landscape of Gun Violence Prevention
Universal background checks and risk order (“red flag”) laws have significant public support across political lines. 21 states (including Virginia) have Extreme Risk Protective Order (also known as a Red Flag law) laws that enable courts to temporarily separate individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others from their firearms. These can (and will be) enacted no matter who sits in the Oval Office.
Change Also Happens at the State Level
Many impactful gun violence prevention (GVP) laws are enacted at the state level, bypassing federal gridlock. For example, Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe (D) signed new gun violence legislation into law that prevented domestic abusers from accessing firearms in 2016, even with Republican control of the House of Delegates and Senate.
In 2020, VA Governor Ralph Northam signed landmark GVP bills that included Universal background checks on gun sales, extreme risk protective orders, mandatory reporting of lost/stolen guns, one-handgun-a-month law, child access prevention, local control to restrict guns in certain spaces, and stronger provisions to disarm domestic abusers.
If Virginia elects a democrat for governor in 2025 and maintains majorities in the Senate and House of Delegates, further reform is possible for our state.
Finally, it’s important to note that Virginia’s Executive Branch (Governor, state agencies, and the Office of the Attorney General) has the ability to direct federal resources and influence regulatory action in a way that supports GVP. For example, Governor McAuliffe signed an Executive Order prohibiting firearms in state buildings. The Department of Criminal Justice Services allocated several million in federal resources to the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association to launch hospital-based violence intervention programs. The Virginia Department of Health manages programs to prevent youth suicides. The list goes on! By engaging in advocacy at the state level, there are opportunities to drive change.
Even Republicans Sign Gun Violence Prevention Bills
In 2024, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin enacted legislation aimed at enhancing firearm safety. One of the new laws prohibits parents from knowingly allowing a child, who has been deemed to present a credible threat of violence against themselves or others, to access firearms. Additionally, another law bans the possession of auto sears, illegal devices that convert firearms into automatic weapons. He also signed a bill to enhance Virginia’s secure firearm storage tax credit and another to enforce strict penalties on guns with removed serial numbers. Finally, a bill to fund a youth community violence intervention program was also signed into law.
While Gov. Youngkin did veto 32 bills that would have strengthened GVP laws; his actions show that progress can be made, even with a staunchly conservative leader.
Find Hope in Long-Term Attitude Shifts
Gun safety has become a growing concern for many Americans, including gun owners. A recent Pew study noted that the majority of Americans favor stricter gun laws. Even more promising, 62% of surveyed individuals ages 18-29 supported stronger gun laws, whereas only 55% of individuals aged 65+ did.
Younger Americans who have grown up with the specter of gun violence may be more likely to support legislation for gun violence prevention. Youth-centered non-profits like Fight for Our Lives encourage young people to become engaged, energizing them for a better future.
More Americans, across political and cultural lines, are engaging in gun violence prevention efforts. Pro-GVP groups for gun owners like Gun Owners for Responsible Ownership and 97 Percent are proliferating.
Change Can Happen Outside of Legislation
Virginia Moms for Change has been working locally to distribute safe storage information to parents. We’ve had success with Richmond City Public Schools, Loudoun County Public Schools, several daycares, and Chesterfield Country’s Families First Program. After reaching out to our elected officials, several of them (including Rep. Wittman and Del. Carr), shared reminders about safe storage in their constituent newsletters. We’ve also started work with the Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and hope to work with Virginia pediatric offices in 2025.
Community Violence Intervention Programs across the US are doing incredible work and having major impacts in their communities. For example, after a mass shooting last year in a Baltimore neighborhood, Safe Streets Baltimore doubled down their support to local residents. Now, they’re celebrating one year of ZERO homicides. Safe Streets employs trusted messengers in the community to interrupt conflicts, reduce shootings, and build trust.
What You Can Do to Take Action
Keep pressure on leaders! Hold all elected officials accountable, regardless of party by writing to them with your concerns. If they offer meet-n-greets or town halls, take part. Make your voice heard.
Share your opinions with others who may not have the same views, as uncomfortable as it may be. Get curious about why they have a different mindset, and they’ll appreciate that you aren’t trying to lambast them for having a different view of the world. You might be surprised at the common ground you find. We have a guide for these difficult conversations on our blog.
Before playdates, if it’s at your house, let the other parents know in advance if you have any guns in the home, and if so, how they are stored (guns and ammo should be locked up separately); if it’s at the other child’s house, ask the parents if they have any guns and how they are stored. Helping to make these conversations part of our cultural norm is hugely important.
Use social media and public platforms to amplify advocacy messages to reach wider audiences. Follow Virginia Moms for Change on Instagram; like, comment, and share our messages. Sign up for our newsletter and take part in our calls to action. Consider volunteering with VMFC for an even greater impact.
Social and legislative change takes time, but sustained effort can yield results. By focusing on grassroots action, state-level progress, and cultural change, individuals and organizations can continue to drive meaningful progress and foster hope for a safer future—and you don’t have to wait until 2029 to start.
Comments