NEW TV Ad: Terry for Virginia and Everytown Release New Ad Featuring Gun Violence Survivor Lisette Johnson

As Governor, Terry McAuliffe Passed A Toughest In the Nation Domestic Violence Law to Keep Virginians Safe

Glenn Youngkin Has Pledged to Oppose Any Gun Safety Laws, Would Oppose Laws That Keep Guns Out of Hands of Domestic Abusers

MCLEAN, VA – Terry for Virginia and Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund today released a new television ad, “Scars.” The ad features Lisette Johnson, a member of the Everytown Survivor Network, who was shot multiple times by her husband on October 4, 2009 in their home. The attack came after Lisette made the decision to separate from her husband due to years of emotional and psychological abuse. Lisette reminds Virginia voters that when it comes to common-sense gun safety measures that keep communities safe, Glenn Youngkin won’t protect Virginia’s families. Terry McAuliffe, however, has outlined a strong plan to protect Virginians from gun violence, and as governor he passed a toughest-in-the-nation domestic violence law to keep Virginians safe. 

“As governor, my priority always was and always will be keeping Virginians safe. That’s why I passed a toughest-in-the-nation domestic violence law to keep families safe,” said Terry McAuliffe. “I’ve laid out a clear plan to prevent gun violence and keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people. My Trump-endorsed opponent Glenn Youngkin would put more guns on the street and make our families and communities less safe.”

“When it comes to gun safety, Virginia voters face a stark choice — Terry McAuliffe, who has successfully championed laws to keep guns away from dangerous people, or Glenn Youngkin, who wants to roll back life-saving laws,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “Everytown is proud to partner with Terry McAuliffe, who will fight to keep Virginia families safe.”

In April of this year, Glenn Youngkin pledged to “stand up against” and veto any and all common sense gun safety laws passed by Virginia’s legislature. These laws restrict firearm access for domestic abusers, prohibiting a person convicted of assault and battery of a family member from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm for three years following their conviction. Youngkin has also clearly stated there is no common sense gun safety legislation he would support, which would lead to more guns on the Commonwealth’s streets and Virginians’ lives at risk. 

As Virginia’s 72nd Governor, Terry signed an executive order banning guns in most state buildings, vetoed 18 bills that would have further weakened Virginia’s lax gun laws, and passed the first meaningful gun safety laws in decades. The bipartisan agreement he signed included a domestic violence law that was one of the toughest in the nation, as well as a law to keep guns out of dangerous hands by requiring the Virginia State Police to be present at every gun show in the Commonwealth to run voluntary background checks on private sales. Terry has, and always will be, a champion for gun violence prevention, and he was the first southern governor to be elected after proudly running with an “F” rating from the NRA.

WATCH “SCARS” HERE

TRANSCRIPT

Lisette: I had just gotten home from church. I was in my bedroom and my husband came in, pointed a gun at me, and shot me four times. While my daughter watched it happen.

Listette: So when I hear Glenn Youngkin is against laws to stop domestic abusers from buying guns, even when they’ve threatened the lives of their family, that’s heartbreaking.

Lisette: My kids and I still bear those scars today.

Lisette: Glenn Youngkin won’t protect people like us.