ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – A Roanoke gun shop owner says sales of semi-automatic firearms are surging as customers rush to buy, before an expected assault firearms ban takes effect.
The bill, which could ban the sale of assault firearms, is on Gov. Spanberger’s desk. If signed, selling or transferring semi-automatic guns would be a Class 1 misdemeanor, carrying penalties of up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine. The law would take effect July 1.
Mitchell Tyler, co-owner of Safeside Tactical, said the business has been preparing for a potential ban for six years. He said sales have increased sharply since the legislative session began, but he said gun sales will decrease by 30 percent long-term…