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In Your StateVirginia

In Your State

Virginia

Virginia has had at least 73 mass shootings since 2020 and guns are the number one leading cause of death of children. Lawmakers must do more to keep kids safe from gun violence. Learn more about what you can do to help in your state and community.

Take Action Now

Join us right now and urge your representatives to make Virginia safer by passing Secure Storage Laws.

Virginia had the

29th

highest firearm death rate in the U.S.

Gun fire was the

1st

leading cause of death for Virginia children.

Data from the last reported year. See sources.

Virginia had the

29th

highest firearm death rate in the U.S.

Gun fire was the

1st

leading cause of death for Virginia children.

Take Action Now

Join us right now and urge your representatives to make Virginia safer by passing Secure Storage Laws.

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Pass Secure Storage Laws

Too often, children accidentally find firearms in their home. This can lead to the death of themselves and family members. Secure storage laws can prevent these tragedies and make it easier for gun owners to keep firearms away from children in their home.

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58

children died by gun fire.

730

Virginians died by suicide with a firearm.

13

mass shootings.

Data from the last reported year. See sources.

Mass Shootings in Virginia

Virginians have faced several high profile mass shootings. On April 16, 2007, a mass school shooting took place at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Virginia. Over 30 students and faculty were killed during the incident. Since this tragedy, debate over issues addressing law enforcement investigations, mental health, and gun legislation have greatly increased.

On May 31, 2019, 12 people were killed and four were injured when a disgruntled employee opened fire in a municipal building in Virginia Beach, VA. This tragedy was the deadliest mass shooting in 2019.

In November 2022, six people were killed by a disgruntled employee who opened fire on co-workers in a breakroom at a Walmart in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Learn the Warning Signs

Gun Laws in Virginia

Enhanced background checks
Restricts certain semi-automatic rifles
Secure storage
Temporary transfer

Our Impact in Virginia

Throughout Virginia, Sandy Hook Promise has engaged youth & adults in our mission and prevention programs.

341k

Supporters in the state

687

Volunteer Promise Leaders who help raise awareness & engage communities

651k

Program participants, including repeats, in 942 schools

1298

Students involved in 55 SAVE Promise Clubs throughout the state

Prevent gun violence in Virginia

You can help make Virginia a safe place for kids and for your whole community.

State Issue

Active shooter drills have become a popular solution to prepare and protect students. But a dangerous variation of these drills hurts students rather than helping them. Active shooter simulations mimic a real-life shooting. Students should never have to participate.
Take Action
Mark Barden
“We are proud to work with the bipartisan champions to ensure we're doing everything we can to protect our kids and that millions more students will be trained to know the signs of violence and act to save lives. Our work does not end here, we will continue to bring our prevention programs to schools and communities across the country and advocate for life-saving policies.”
Mark BardenSandy Hook Promise Co-Founder and Co-CEO

News and Resources

Stay informed about current issues and stories about preventing gun violence and promoting school safety.

Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Statement on Ohio Festival ShootingRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Statement on Mass Shooting in IowaRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Statement on Youth-Involved Shootings in Several U.S. CitiesRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Thanks House Appropriators for Approving Increased STOP FundingRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Statement on Weekend Mass Shootings in Texas and OklahomaRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Applauds Increased Federal Budget to Strengthen School SafetyRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Action Fund Responds to Federal Gun Policy ChangesRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Statement on the Murder of Eight Children in Shreveport, LouisianaRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Action Fund Applauds Kansas Legislature for Unanimously Passing the Students Safe at School ActRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Statement on Bulverde, Texas School ShootingRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Statement on Meta and YouTube Being Held Liable for Social Media AddictionRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Statement on Shooting at Old Dominion UniversityRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Statement on the Verdict and Warning Signs Revealed in the Trial of the Apalachee High School Shooter’s FatherRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Statement on Mass Shooting in Austin, TexasRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Statement on Six Killed in Two Connected Florida ShootingsRead More
Press ReleaseNew Report Calls for Platform Transparency to Support Family Conversations About Firearm Content OnlineRead More
Press ReleaseFear and Disruption in Schools: Sandy Hook Promise Calls for Safe, Trusting Learning EnvironmentsRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Applauds Bipartisan Senate Passage to Advance Federal Funding for Safer SchoolsRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Statement on Mississippi Mass Shooting SpreeRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Applauds Bipartisan Leadership in the House to Advance Federal Funding for Safer SchoolsRead More

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