New bill could make brass knuckles, throwing stars legal in Virginia

A new bill that has now been approved by the General Assembly will make brass knuckles, blackjacks, throwing stars or knives legal in Virginia. The bill that passed the House of Delegates Tuesday on a 56-42 vote would nullify an existing law that makes it a misdemeanor to sell, trade, give or possess with the intent of distributing said weapons. Delegate Alfonso Lopez (D-Arlington) is adamantly against the change. He stated that the provision was instigated decades ago to address gang activity. He also brought up the fact that there is no age limitation on the purchase of these weapons, and kids would somehow be able to get their hands on them. Delegate Scott Lingamfelter (R-Prince William) who supports the bill, said that the existing law is not helping to eradicate street gangs, and that it would still be illegal to bring the weapons onto school grounds. Governor Terry McAuliffe has not commented yet as to whether he will sign the bill, which passed the Senate last Monday on a 25-13 vote.