Gun rights and gun violence prevention groups gathered at the Capitol in large numbers on Monday’s Lobby Day to rally support and meet with legislators.

Under the Bell Tower, about a hundred gun violence prevention advocates from across the state gathered to share stories, remember the work of Martin Luther King Jr. and urge action as part of the 34th annual Virginia Vigil & Advocacy Day to Prevent Gun Violence. 

General Assembly members, Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi and Attorney General Jay Jones joined the vigil, organized by the Virginia Center for Public Safety, and pledged to work toward preventing future gun deaths. 

“Virginia, we’re ready to return to the table now with our new administration,” Hashmi said. “We’re called upon to act not because it’s politically expedient, but because the lives and safeties and securities of our communities are absolutely critical.” 

Many at the afternoon vigil wore blue Superman beanies to remember local actor Adam Turck, who was shot and killed last summer while stepping in to help during a domestic dispute. 

Advocates want abusive intimate partners included on the state’s list of domestic abusers barred from gun ownership. 

Gun rights groups, however, criticized the new administration and some of the rally organized by the Virginia Citizens Defense League. bills introduced as a threat to their rights during a “No Queens” 

The rally, which occurred hours before the gun violence prevention vigil, brought a larger group to the Capitol grounds and the streets outside it. Groups present included Gun Owners of America, BLM 757, the Oath Keepers and state and federal legislators, who voiced opposition to any restrictions and called for a united response. 

“We need all hands on deck,” Rep. John McGuire said. “We’ve got the midterms coming up, and I need 10 people to get 10 people to get 10 people to vote.” 

Gun-focused bills introduced in the 2026 General Assembly session include an assault weapons ban, removing localities’ ability to ban firearms from their parks and certain events, and competing measures that would restrict and expand concealed handgun permits.