Virginia's governor has set a July 9 start date for a special legislative session on gun-related legislation after last week's deadly shooting rampage in Virginia Beach.
Gov. Ralph Northam announced the date Friday.
The Democratic governor says the best way to respond to the May 31 mass shooting at a municipal building is with "votes and laws, not thoughts and prayers." He wants the Republican-led General Assembly to consider gun-control measures including universal background checks and a ban on silencers . Police say the gunman who fatally shot 12 people used a silencer.
Northam can call the session but can't dictate how it's conducted. Republican leaders have given little indication they plan to follow his agenda.
Instead, they've said they'll propose tougher penalties for those who use guns to commit crimes.
The date is set—on July 9, I will summon members of the Virginia General Assembly for a special session to address the emergency of gun violence in the Commonwealth. https://t.co/pecmXh4D3m
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) June 7, 2019
WATCH NOW: Virginia Gov. Northam speaks as he plans to recall state lawmakers to address gun violence in the wake of the shooting in Virginia Beach https://t.co/3a221SEoh0 pic.twitter.com/wHYrolXBH3
— CBS News (@CBSNews) June 4, 2019
Most of the legislation already proposed by Northam and other Democrats has failed at the General Assembly, including this year. Republicans hold slim majorities in the House and Senate and Virginia is in the middle of a closely watched election year when all 140 legislative seats are up for grabs.
A group of gun-control supporters gathered Monday outside Norment's office to press him on his pro-gun voting record. Norment told protesters that "nothing would have helped us in Virginia Beach."
Craddock appeared to have had no felony record, making him eligible to purchase guns. Government investigators identified two .45-caliber pistols used in the attack and all indications are that he purchased them legally in 2016 and 2018, said Ashan Benedict, the regional special agent for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Last Friday's shooting has been Northam's first major test since a scandal over a racist photo in his medical school yearbook nearly drove him from office four months ago. The governor has been active in helping coordinate the state's response and comforting victims, while also pressing the case for stricter gun control.
In wake of Virginia Beach shooting, VA Gov. Northam summons members of the state House and Senate to have a special session for the purpose of passing a "common sense public safety laws."
— CBS News (@CBSNews) June 4, 2019
"I will be asking for votes and laws. Not thoughts and prayers." https://t.co/3a221SVZ8y pic.twitter.com/hute8Oyg5H
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