DOJ Threatens Lawsuit Against Spanberger Over AR-15 Ban Bill in Virginia
The Department of Justice is threatening legal action against Virginia’s governor over pending gun legislation, raising the stakes before any final decision is made.
The warning targets Gov. Abigail Spanberger as she considers signing a bill that would restrict the sale of AR-15-style rifles, setting up a potential federal lawsuit tied directly to Second Amendment enforcement.
According to The National News Desk, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon sent a formal letter stating the DOJ will “commence litigation” if Virginia enacts laws that limit gun rights. The letter specifically points to SB 749, which would make it a crime to buy or sell certain rifles.
The complication is timing. The bill has passed the legislature but has not yet been signed, meaning the DOJ is acting preemptively while Spanberger continues reviewing broader gun safety measures she has already supported.
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“This letter provides formal notice that the Civil Rights Division will commence litigation,” Dhillon wrote.
The threat signals a broader federal strategy to challenge state gun restrictions, especially those targeting widely owned firearms, and could set precedent for similar legal fights across the country.
What happens next depends on Spanberger’s decision, which could immediately trigger a high-profile constitutional battle between Virginia and the federal government.
The outcome could reshape how far states can go on gun restrictions.
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