Norfolk, Va. - One question that has come up in our team coverage of a tragic shooting in Norfolk that claimed the lives of a 17-year-old and a Norfolk officer is how the shooter, James Brown, could walk around with a gun on his hip even after he was convicted of assaulting a sheriff's deputy.
Brown served a year in jail back in 2010, but was allowed to keep his guns.
In 2012, he was convicted of carrying a loaded weapon with more than 20 rounds
Having the weapon was legal, but not with that many bullets.
Even so, he was again allowed to keep his guns.
In Virginia for purposes of buying or owning a gun, a misdemeanor conviction for assaulting a police officer is not a disqualifying offense.
There are other misdemeanor convictions that would result in losing your guns, but assaulting an officer of the law just isn't one of them.
If that's something that isn't sitting well with you, contact your lawmakers about this issue here.
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Norfolk Police officer, student, and gunman killed in shooting spree
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Neighbors reveal more about the Norfolk police shooter
Flags at half-staff to remember Officer Brian Jones gunned down over the weekend
Man who killed Norfolk officer, teen previously convicted for assaulting Norfolk deputy
