Press Releases

Today, Congressmen Morgan Griffith (R-VA) and Phil Roe, M.D. (R-TN) released the following statement on reports that Virginia’s governor, Terry McAuliffe, plans to announce a reversal of Attorney General Mark Herring’s recent decision to end reciprocity agreements and stop recognizing concealed carry gun permits from 25 states, including Tennessee, which was to take effect on Monday, February 1, 2016:

“Like many of our constituents, we were frustrated by Attorney General Herring’s confusing and unworkable decision to no longer recognize out-of-state concealed carry permits.  Put simply, we believe your Second Amendment right does not stop at a state line.”

“Following Attorney General Herring’s announcement last month, we were eager to bring attention to the fact that it would have a significant impact on our region, and would regrettably leave concealed carry permit holders from states such as Tennessee without the ability to protect themselves or others from harm.”

“Accordingly, we held a press conference on January 19 in Bristol, where Virginia and Tennessee meet, to discuss the effects Attorney General Herring’s decision would have on our constituents who regularly cross state lines – some who do so by simply walking across the street – as well as local law enforcement tasked with carrying out the policy.  Also attending this press conference were dozens of concerned citizens from either side of the state line.”

“We believe that this press conference helped bring to light difficulties in enforcing this poor decision by Attorney General Herring, and are of the opinion that it was instrumental in bringing the Governor to his senses.”

“Reports that Governor McAuliffe is backing off of his support for the Attorney General’s misguided decision are encouraging. We look forward to reviewing the agreement negotiated by Republican leaders of the Virginia General Assembly and the Governor following tomorrow’s announcement.”

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