Spanberger Welcomed Former U.S. Representative, Gun Violence Survivor, & National Gun Violence Prevention Advocate Gabby Giffords to Virginia

FAIRFAX, Va. — Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger and former U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords, founder of the gun violence prevention organization GIFFORDS, today brought together local leaders and advocates to discuss the issue of gun violence in Virginia communities — and how elected leaders can do more to save lives.

During the roundtable discussion at George Mason University, Spanberger and Giffords focused on addressing the prevalence of gun violence across Virginia and identifying efforts that elected leaders can support to build a safer Virginia. Spanberger spoke about her background as a former federal law enforcement officer, her role as a parent of three kids, and her record of passing commonsense legislation in the U.S. House — and how as the next Governor of Virginia, she will bring people together to build a safer Virginia.

“As a mother, I know the anxiety parents feel when we send our children off to school. As a former federal law enforcement officer, I carried a firearm and two extra high-capacity magazines every day — and I learned how to responsibly carry a gun. While serving as a Member of Congress, I voted to pass the first gun violence prevention legislation signed into law in a generation — and we brought Republicans and Democrats together to get it done,” said Spanberger. “During our General Assembly’s last session, we saw advocates for safety pass legislation to make sure firearms are secured when kept around minors and keep weapons designed to inflict maximum casualties off of our streets. But we also saw our current Governor veto these commonsense efforts. As the next Governor of Virginia, when legislation to keep Virginians safe lands on my desk, I will sign it into law.”

Spanberger continued, “Thank you to Congresswoman Giffords — a true fighter and leader in the national gun safety movement — for her decades of service. Thank you for advocating for Virginians and Americans across the country whose families have been torn apart by gun violence.”

Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords — who in January 2011 was shot at a constituent event in Tucson, Arizona by a gunman who killed six people and injured 12 others — went on to found the national gun violence prevention organization GIFFORDS. During today’s event, Giffords spoke about the work still ahead to prevent gun violence in communities across Virginia.

“Stopping gun violence and crime takes leadership from our governors — and that’s especially true in Virginia,” said Giffords. “Glenn Youngkin blocked 30 reforms that would have saved lives this year alone. Virginians deserve a leader who will stand up to the gun lobby, protect our communities, and fight for laws that save lives, not put them at risk. Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger has done that in Washington, and I know she’ll do it as governor.”

Spanberger and Giffords were joined at the roundtable by community members, gun violence prevention advocates, and local leaders — including Senator Dave Marsden (SD-35), former Director of the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice, as well as Delegate Adele McClure (HD-02).

“Throughout my more than two decades of service in the Virginia Senate, I’ve put a focus on keeping Virginia’s communities safe. We have gotten legislation across the finish line to keep guns out of the hands of those who are a threat to themselves and to others — but there is much more work to be done,” said Marsden. “While Democrats in the General Assembly this last session advanced efforts to keep Virginians safe, we need a Governor who will join with us to address these threats — and Abigail will be that Governor.”

“Gun violence is the number one killer of kids in Virginia. As a gun owner myself, I know that gun ownership does not have to open the door for gun violence,” said McClure. “We need a real leader in the Governor’s office who recognizes that Virginia’s leaders can do more to prevent heartbreaking disasters. I know that as the next Governor of Virginia, Abigail will work with us to put laws in place that will save lives.”

BACKGROUND

Spanberger knows firsthand the responsibility that comes with owning a firearm.

As a former federal law enforcement officer, Spanberger carried a gun and high-capacity magazines marked ‘for law enforcement use only’ every day for her job. While serving as a federal agent, she worked narcotics trafficking and money laundering cases, executed search warrants, and arrested criminals.

In Congress, Spanberger brought Republicans and Democrats together to keep Virginia’s families, law enforcement, and communities safe.

Spanberger supported gun violence prevention policies like closing the Charleston Loophole and implementing extreme risk protection orders. She championed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which President Biden signed into law.

Spanberger also worked closely with local police and sheriff’s departments to advocate for commonsense reforms, including universal background checks and safe firearm storage.

GIFFORDS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives from gun violence. Led by former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, GIFFORDS shifts culture, changes policies, and challenges injustice, inspiring Americans across the country to fight gun violence.

Last year, GIFFORDS PAC endorsed Spanberger to serve as the next Governor of Virginia.

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