Virginia Defies Court Order: State Police Resume Unconstitutional Background Checks

Summary

Virginia officials, including the Attorney General’s office and the Virginia State Police (VSP), are resuming enforcement of universal background checks for private firearm sales. This action directly defies a permanent injunction issued in October 2025 by the Lynchburg Circuit Court in the case *Wilson et al. v. Colonel Matthew D. Hanley*, which declared the state's background check law (Virginia Code § 18.2-308.2:5) unconstitutional. Gun rights organizations VCDL and GOA are expected to pursue further legal action to challenge this defiance, which follows new legislation signed by Governor Abigail Spanberger earlier in 2026.