The showdown over the Second Amendment in Virginia has reached a breaking point.
Today — April 13, 2026 — is the deadline for Governor Abigail Spanberger to sign or veto more than 20 gun control bills, including a sweeping AR-15 ban.
But if she signs them into law, the U.S. Department of Justice is making one thing clear: they’re ready to sue.
“2A Rights SHALL NOT BE Infringed”
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon didn’t mince words on X.
“@SpanbergerForVA is on notice: 2A rights SHALL NOT BE infringed.”
And when asked whether DOJ was merely hinting at action?
“It’s not a hint.”
That statement confirms what gun owners have long been waiting to hear—the federal government is prepared to take direct legal action to defend the Second Amendment.
DOJ Warns: Sign the Bills, Face a Lawsuit
In a formal letter to the governor, DOJ’s Civil Rights Division warned it will commence litigation if Virginia enacts legislation that restricts law-abiding Americans’ right to keep and bear arms.
At the center of the warning is legislation like SB 749, which would ban or severely restrict AR-15-style rifles and other commonly owned semi-automatic firearms.
DOJ made clear these firearms are in common use and protected under Supreme Court precedent — meaning any attempt to outlaw them would violate the Constitution.
More Than 20 Bills Await the Governor’s Signature
This isn’t about a single proposal.
The stack of legislation now sitting on the governor’s desk includes over 20 gun control measures, many of which DOJ says could infringe on the rights of law-abiding citizens.
Some proposals go even further, mirroring restrictions the Supreme Court has already struck down.
The message from DOJ is simple: sign these bills, and the lawsuits begin.
Gun Owners Finally See Federal Pushback
For years, anti-gun politicians have advanced sweeping restrictions with little resistance from Washington.
That may be changing.
With today’s deadline forcing a decision, and DOJ signaling immediate legal action, this fight could shape the future of the Second Amendment nationwide. All eyes are now on Governor Spanberger.
