Preventing Gun Violence

Tim is a strong supporter of commonsense steps to reduce gun violence. In the Senate, he has been a leading voice calling on his colleagues to listen to the overwhelming majority of Americans and finally pass legislation that will make communities safer.

Tim and Senator Warner introduced the Virginia Plan to Reduce Gun Violence Act, a comprehensive package that would enact the commonsense gun safety provisions passed by the Virginia General Assembly in 2020 at the federal level. Tim voted to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, landmark legislation to reduce gun violence, which was signed into law in June 2022. The bill included similar provisions to his Virginia Plan, such as improving background checks, strengthening safeguards for victims of domestic violence, and incentivizing states to implement laws to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who pose a high risk of harming themselves or others.

Tim has also cosponsored legislation to place responsible limits on combat-style weapons and high-capacity magazines, hold gun manufacturers accountable, and close loopholes that allow domestic abusers to legally obtain weapons.

As Governor, Tim helped strengthen the background check system following the tragic shooting at Virginia Tech. As Mayor of Richmond, he helped bring down the city’s rate of gun violence and homicide. Tim has met with students, parents, and teachers across Virginia to listen to their concerns about gun violence, and he will continue calling for legislation that addresses this epidemic.