As we reported earlier, an editorial that appeared in the Sunday, March 11 edition of The Roanoke Times that purported to simply shed a little light on who in the Commonwealth has obtained a carry permit, as well as some of the discrepancies and inaccuracies within the permit record keeping system, actually went a few steps beyond that. The paper came under intense scrutiny after its editors chose to post a searchable database of right-to-carry permit holders on its website – thus providing everyone with access to the internet (yes, criminals included) with the name, address, and permit issuance and expiration date of more than 135,000 Virginia permit holders!
After hearing from outraged gun owners and non-gun owners, the Times, acting out of “concern for public safety,” removed the database from its website.
In response, on Tuesday, March 19, the General Assembly’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Council established a sub-committee to study the issue and provide for an appropriate remedy to ensure that such sensitive information is never again used so recklessly and irresponsibly. NRA will be an active participant in the Council’s study and the resulting process. We will be sure to inform you of any developments.
To find further contact information or help identifying your legislators
please use the "Write Your Representative" feature found at www.NRAILA.org.
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