gun | FFXnow

Published May 18, 2026 at 1:45PM | Updated May 18, 2026 at 2:16PM

The NRA's headquarters on Waples Mill Road (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

As soon as Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed one of the more polarizing gun safety bills from the 2026 General Assembly session — a ban on assault-style firearms — the Fairfax-based National Rifle Association vowed to fight the ban with a lawsuit.

The pair of bills from state Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim (D-37) and Del. Dan Helmer (D-10), who represent parts of Fairfax County, will ban the sale and manufacture of “assault firearms” and magazines with the capacity of more than 15 rounds. The legislation provides exemptions to guns owned before the law becomes effective on July 1, 2026 but will ban new purchases starting on that date.

Countywide

Virginia to lower flags in honor of Cerina Fairfax, domestic violence victims

By Angela Woolsey

Published May 1, 2026 at 2:45PM

Waving U.S., Virginia and Fairfax County flags (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Flags across Virginia will be lowered next Monday (May 4) to honor the memory of Dr. Cerina Fairfax and other victims of domestic violence.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger ordered today (Friday) that U.S. and Virginia flags be flown at half-staff on all state and local government buildings and grounds from sunrise to sunset, expressing a commitment to “helping those who face domestic violence or the threat of domestic violence.”

Countywide

In wake of Fairfax murder-suicide, new Va. laws aim to prevent similar violence

By Charlotte Rene Woods / Virginia Mercury

Published April 29, 2026 at 10:00AM

A Fairfax County Police Department vehicle parked in the driveway of Cerina and Justin Fairfax's house in Annandale (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Editor’s note: This story references domestic violence and suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with this issue, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be called or texted at 988. You can also visit the website.

Two years before Dr. Cerina Fairfax was shot and killed by her husband, former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, she had tried to leave him.

News

FCPD: Four arrested for distributing drugs out of Mount Vernon motel

By Angela Woolsey

Published April 27, 2026 at 3:45PM

Fairfax County police vehicle outside Red Carpet Inn in Mount Vernon (via Google Maps)

A motel along Richmond Highway in Mount Vernon has been playing host to a drug distribution ring, Fairfax County police say.

Officers arrested four people at the Red Carpet Inn (8257 Richmond Highway) on April 17 after a three-month investigation found that they were distributing narcotics out of multiple hotel rooms, the Fairfax County Police Department announced today (Monday).

News

Fort Belvoir plans training exercise today with simulated gunfire

By Angela Woolsey

Published February 26, 2026 at 8:30AM

Fort Belvoir's Lieber Gate on Richmond Highway (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Residents on and around Fort Belvoir may want to keep some earplugs close at hand today (Thursday).

The U.S. Army installation will host an active shooter preparedness exercise starting at 10 a.m. that could last “several hours” and involve loud noises, including simulated gunshots.

Countywide

Virginia Senate panel advances gun safety bills once vetoed by Youngkin

By Markus Schmidt / Virginia Mercury

Published January 27, 2026 at 10:10AM

Virginia Senate Courts of Justice Committee hears testimony on State Sen. Jennifer Boysko's firearms storage bill (via Virginia Senate/YouTube)

Democratic lawmakers on Monday advanced a sweeping slate of gun safety proposals — many of them previously vetoed by former Gov. Glenn Youngkin — as they test whether Virginia’s new Democratic governor, Abigail Spanberger, will take a more favorable view of firearm restrictions.

Over nearly four hours, the Democratic-led Senate Courts of Justice Committee approved more than half a dozen bills tightening rules on assault-style firearms, gun storage, concealed carry reciprocity, ghost guns and weapons in public spaces, while rejecting the lone Republican proposal that would have increased mandatory minimum sentences for repeat firearm offenses.

News

FCPD: Maryland man charged with drawing gun at Springfield Town Center

By Angela Woolsey

Published January 20, 2026 at 3:45PM

Sign outside vehicle entrance for Springfield Town Center (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Fairfax County police are charging a man who allegedly pulled out a gun at Springfield Town Center this past weekend, prompting the mall to be evacuated.

Officers responded to the 6600 block of Springfield Mall at 7:04 p.m. on Saturday (Jan. 17) after detectives were alerted to a weapons call.

News

Man accused of Reston murder now also faces federal charge

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 29, 2025 at 12:30PM

Marvin Fernando Morales Ortez and the firearm allegedly used in the Dec. 17, 2025 fatal shooting of Marvin Ernesto Morales in Reston (photos via FCPD/X)

The federal government is now leveling its own criminal charge against the man accused of a recent murder in Reston.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia has charged 23-year-old Marvin Fernando Morales Ortez with possessing a firearm as someone who is “illegally” present in the U.S.

News

Annandale drug dealer sentenced for fentanyl, gun possession

By Jared Serre

Published November 24, 2025 at 8:30AM

The Albert V. Bryan U.S. Courthouse in Alexandria (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

An Annandale-based drug dealer will spend the next 15 years in federal prison for possessing nearly 10,000 fentanyl pills with an apparent intent to distribute them.

Marcantonio Juarez Velasquez, 20, was sentenced yesterday (Thursday) in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia — more than a year after his arrest, according to court records.

News

Fairfax City to ban guns at events and parks, starting next year

By Jared Serre

Published October 30, 2025 at 8:30AM | Updated October 31, 2025 at 11:27AM

The Fairfax City Council during the Oct. 28, 2025, meeting (screenshot)

The list of places where guns can be carried in Fairfax City is getting smaller.

An ordinance to ban the possession of guns at city-permitted events and parks owned and operated by Fairfax City was approved Tuesday (Oct. 28) by the city council, aligning the city’s firearms policy with that of Fairfax County.