VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The National Rifle Association held a private meeting Monday night at the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Oceanfront.
The meeting is one of four across the state in advance of the special session and it was for members only. It was to discuss Governor Ralph Northam’s special session set for next week after 12 people were shot and killed last month.
Northam’s proposal includes a ban on assault weapons, universal background checks and prevention and allowing local governments to regulate firearms in government buildings.
"The NRA's message is that not even one of the gun schemes would have prevented what happened in Virginia Beach. That is the bottom line. If the governor were serious about making changes here in Virginia and improving safety, he should look at some of the under-lining issues like the broken mental health system,” explained NRA spokesperson Catherine Mortensen.
More than a hundred people showed up in support of the NRA.
Virginia Citizens Defense League President Philip Van Cleave told 13News Now said, "Nothing that the governor proposed would not have made any difference either in Virginia Beach or Virginia Tech. No difference at all. But he is still pushing it and we don't want any of it so we are treating it seriously."
As people attended the meeting, protesters stood outside.
Carolyn Lindsey said she is standing up for what she believes in. She held up signs reading "We need reasonable gun laws."
"I think Governor Northam has the right idea and I am supporting it with all I can," said Carolyn Lindsey.
No matter what side people are on, everyone said the mass shootings need to stop.