Ralph Northam
Four moderate Democrats joined Republicans in rejecting a proposal pushed by Gov. Ralph Northam to ban certain semiautomatic firearms.
Todd Gilbert called on all Virginians to "stand united in opposition to any threats of violence" after several neo-Nazis were arrested ahead of the event.
The Monday gathering in Virginia already has prompted the state's governor to enact emergency measures to thwart violence.
On Monday, thousands plan to protest gun control measures in Virginia. Organizers of the deadly Charlottesville rally also plan to attend.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
The Democrat said he plans to declare a temporary emergency prohibiting all weapons, including guns, from Capitol Square.
The Massachusetts senator is the first presidential candidate to weigh in on remarks by Gov. Ralph Northam that angered liberals across the country.
In addition to the immediate policy impact, leaving the anti-union system intact could hurt Democratsâ long-term political prospects.
Lashrecse Aird, who is Black and liberal, is challenging Eileen Filler-Corn, a white moderate, for the speakership.
Republicans risk losing their last footholds of power in the Old Dominion.
GOP lawmakers said the special session that Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam called in response to a mass shooting was premature and politically motivated.