City Of Alexandria Bans Guns On Its Property

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria City Council unanimously voted Saturday to ban guns and ammunition on city property. Beginning on July 1, it will be a Class 1 misdemeanor to possess, carry or transport firearms or ammunition in any city-owned or operated building, park or recreational or community facility as well as special events requiring a permit on public streets, roads, alleys, sidewalks or public right of way.

The Class 1 misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail or a fine up to $2,500. Exceptions are provided to military personnel acting in the scope of their duties, sworn law enforcement officers, private security personnel hired by the city, Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs at higher education institutions, intercollegiate athletics program involving firearms at higher education institutions, and historical re-enactors using unloaded guns for demonstrations.

A number of people spoke in support and opposition to the ordinance in virtual testimony to City Council. Those opposed cited concerns such as Second Amendment rights, personal safety, and police enforcement on minority populations. A few people brought up the 2017 shooting at Eugene Simpson Stadium Park, which injured Rep. Steve Scalise and others. Those who supported the ordinance cited their own safety concerns about guns. Among the speakers was Del. Mark Levine, who spoke about the gun-wielding man who showed up outside Levine's Alexandria home in opposition to gun control legislation.

Because Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, localities are prohibited from enacting measures unless specifically authorized by the state. In 2002, Virginia General Assembly legislation prohibitied localities from regulating firearms in their buildings, overturning a city ban on guns from the 1990s.

That state policy was reversed in 2020 when the Virginia General Assembly passed Senate Bill 35 and House Bill 421, allowing localities to prohibit guns in their buildings, parks, recreation centers, community centers, and public spaces used for permitted events. Gov. Ralph Northam signed the legislation, and it takes effect on July 1.

According to a city news release, Alexandria is the first jurisdiction in Virginia to adopt a gun ban ordinance under the new state authorization.