gun | FFXnow - Part 2

Published June 26, 2026 at 1:45PM

The Virginia State Capitol building (file photo)

A Virginia judge has hit pause on a new state law prohibiting assault weapons, preventing it from taking effect next week as planned.

The legislation, introduced by Fairfax County state Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim (D-37) and Del. Dan Helmer (D-10), was scheduled to ban the sale and manufacturing of assault-style firearms starting July 1. But yesterday (Thursday), a judge in Lancaster County issued an injunction that puts the law on hold amid a pending lawsuit and directs Virginia State Police to not enforce the ban.

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Springfield man convicted after guns, ‘explosive devices’ found during eviction

By Angela Woolsey

Published June 26, 2026 at 8:30AM

Justice statue over the entrance to the Albert V. Bryan U.S. Courthouse in Alexandria (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

A Springfield resident could face more than a decade in federal prison after guns and explosive devices were found in his home while he was being evicted.

A federal jury in Alexandria convicted 42-year-old Amer Taisir Zghailat Qaralleh yesterday (Thursday) of possessing an unregistered firearm and improper storage of explosive materials, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia announced.

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Man who fled police, attempted carjacking on I-95 sentenced on gun charge

By Angela Woolsey

Published June 23, 2026 at 3:45PM

Gun left by Jamarion Dawon Jackson on the floor of a car he crashed on I-95 during a police chase (via Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives affidavit)

A man arrested last year after allegedly speeding, fleeing from police and subsequently attempting to carjack another driver on I-95 in Lorton will serve time in federal prison for gun possession.

Jamarion Dawon Jackson, 23, was sentenced today (Tuesday) to four years in prison after pleading guilty in April to possessing a machine gun during the police chase and carjacking incident, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia announced.

Countywide

Lawsuits filed after Fairfax legislators’ assault weapon ban signed by Spanberger

By Emily Leayman

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.

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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).

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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.