Most Fairfax City residents appear to be in favor of efforts by the city council to further restrict the ability to carry firearms around town.
An overwhelming majority of the 12 speakers during a public hearing on Oct. 14 expressed support for a proposed ordinance that would align the city’s gun policy with that of Fairfax County.
Specifically, the proposed ordinance would expand the city’s prohibition on the possession of firearms and ammunition in public buildings to also include parks within the city controlled by a park authority and public streets, sidewalks and rights of way used for or adjacent to a city-permitted event.
City resident Mary McDaniel welcomed the suggested changes, especially as a means to limit the risks that currently come with attending local events.
McDaniel opined that her and a friend regularly discuss whether or not to attend local events solely because of the dangers of what could happen.
“We are aware that people are allowed to carry guns at these kinds of events and we stay away,” she said. “My friend and I are not fearful people, we really don’t live our lives in fear. But both of us are moderating our behavior in an attempt to avoid random violence.”
Another speaker, donning a “Moms Demand Action” shirt and a Virginia Tech ribbon, argued that the idea of needing more guns in order for people to protect themselves has made society less safe.
“More guns concealed or open-carried do not make us safer,” Judy Fisher said. “If that were the case, the United States would be the safest country on Earth.”
“Prohibiting firearms in open air events in our beautiful city is just common sense,” another speaker said.
Three speakers conveyed opposition to the current proposal, arguing that further restrictions would negatively affect responsible gun owners.
Philip Van Cleave, a Chesterfield County resident who spoke on behalf of the Virginia Citizens Defense League, floated the idea that people who regularly conceal and carry guns — and have reason to do so — would be less safe.
“They carry because they don’t know when that person might show up and do them harm,” Van Cleave said. “Anytime you put up a boundary like that where people can’t carry, you’re not making them safer.”
Trice Burgess echoed Van Cleave’s sentiment but took a different angle: such a restriction, he said, would make certain areas more attractive targets for criminals.
“This proposed ordinance will only embolden criminals as they know they’ll be in gun-free zones and they don’t have to worry about people protecting themselves,” Burgess said. “This does not protect the citizens of Fairfax City.”
A final vote on the ordinance is scheduled to be held Oct. 28, with support from a majority of the mayor and six councilmembers needed to approve the changes.
The changes would take effect July 1, 2026, if enacted, though the council has the power to change the effective date.
