The
Virginia National Guard will move into positions across the state in preparation for this weekend's
“No Kings Day” demonstrations against President Donald Trump,
Gov. Glenn Youngkin said. He said the Guard is going through last-minute preparations, and some members are already involved in security events around the state. “And so, you will see Guard presence, you will see state police presence, you will see our tactical team presence, you will see local police presence all over the state,” Youngkin told reporters Friday after a ceremonial signing of a bill that says dealers who sell a fatal overdose of fentanyl can be charged with involuntary manslaughter.
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He said the mobilized Guard is already integrated with Virginia State Police to respond to situations on the ground. "Just to be very, very clear, the way that (the Code of Virginia) works for me is that I can involve the Guard in public disturbance efforts. And so I'm already doing that,” he said, when asked if he or police commanders would direct any Guard response. He said his orders had nothing to with the object of the demonstrations.
'Zero tolerance' for violence
“I fully support our First Amendment and its protection of the right to demonstrate," Youngkin said. "But I want to be really clear, crystal clear, that there will be zero tolerance for any violence, for any destruction of personal property, business property, for disrupting traffic and putting people's lives in danger. And if you violate the law, you're going to be arrested,” he said. The No Kings Day demonstrations this weekend — including one that starts at 5 p.m. Saturday at Capitol Square — are aimed at protesting Trump's aggressive actions on immigration enforcement and executive orders that organizers say exceed his authority. Trump's mobilization of the California National Guard and deployment of U.S. Marines in response to protests in Los Angeles over an intensive Immigration and Customs Enforcement campaign to arrest immigrants has sparked Gov. Gavin Newsom to accuse the administration of an unconstitutional abuse of power. Youngkin did not give any details about the number of Guard members involved in response to the Virginia demonstrations. “We are mobilizing substantial resources across the commonwealth, state police, local resources, and yes, National Guard resources, to make sure that we have substantial presence across the commonwealth,” he said. Youngkin said he’s been getting twice daily briefings about the protests and the state response all week.
Surovell faults approach
Sen. Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, said there is no need to call in the National Guard. "He continues to try to use them to kiss up to President Trump as part of his own future presidential ambitions," Surovell said. He said that Youngkin's 2023 dispatch of National Guard members to back a border security campaign by Texas police and the Guard had the same aim. State Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Richmond, who is speaking at No Kings Day events in Richmond and Manassas, said calling out the National Guard was unjustified. "Gov. Youngkin deploying the National Guard this weekend is a disgraceful attempt to intimidate peaceful protestors — and an attempt to please wannabe-King Donald Trump. I have one message for the governor: We will not be intimidated, we will not be deterred, we will stand up to authoritarianism," she said. Hashmi is seeking the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor.
Drug bill
Earlier, when ceremonially signing Senate Bill 746, which makes the sale of a fatal dose of fentanyl the crime of involuntary manslaughter, Youngkin took a shot at General Assembly Democrats, who had opposed earlier versions of the measure when those bills stated sales of fatal overdoses would be felony homicide: basically, second-degree murder. He said passionate lobbying by families of Virginians who died from fatal overdoses took years to have effect.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin says he's never been prouder to sign a bill than he did, ceremonially, for a measure that says selling a fatal dose of fentanyl is involuntary manslaughter. Youngkin actually signed the bill in early May. “I think it's fair to say that the reception from many, many, many General Assembly members to fentanyl families at the beginning of this journey, and I will say they were Democrats and I don't mean to say this politically, but it's the truth, were not only dismissive, but rude,” he said before signing the bill. “That is a demonstration of not understanding this issue. That's why I'm so happy that we're here today, that this bill, after years of effort, is coming to my desk after we prepare the Naloxone and we educate, we have to go to work to interdict the drug crisis … we are going to stop the flow of drugs into Virginia,” Youngkin said. He said there is no bill he’s been prouder to sign. Although the ceremony highlighted the issue, Youngkin actually signed the measure in early May. House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, said the legislation passed almost unanimously. The bill Youngkin ceremoniously signed was the Senate version. It initially would have made the sale of fatal overdoses of any drug a felony homicide. It was changed to match a House of Delegates measure, sponsored by Del. Josh Thomas, D-Prince William, making the sale of a fatal dose of fentanyl involuntary manslaughter, a lesser offense. "It's sad that Republicans continue to politicize the pain of others," Scott said. In a fundraising email, meanwhile, Scott called Trump's mobilization in California an overreach of his authority. Later, Youngkin told reporters that the involuntary manslaughter measure was a big step forward, even though conviction on a charge of involuntary manslaughter is subject to a sentence of one to 10 years in prison, while felony homicide can mean up to 40 years behind bars. He said he expected legislators who backed the stiffer penalty would continue to push to make selling a fatal overdose a felony homicide.
As a citizen who values open, honest communication from our elected leaders, I am increasingly concerned about the tools they use to reach us. Our representatives in Congress and our president list social media sites on their official governmental websites. They regularly post messages, updates and report official actions on platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Truth Social, Instagram and YouTube — sites owned by powerful corporations, individuals who have donated to politicians, a “special government employee,” or in the case of Truth Social, an elected politician.
I would like to thank and congratulate Scott Morris, director of the Richmond Department of Public Utilities, for his comprehensive and thorough memorandum to City Council on our struggling water system earlier this month. Morris is laying out a solid path forward. Though lengthy, complicated and expensive, Morris' 10-year plan is frankly realistic — no excuses, no politics, no games.
How Democrats can regain, maintain power
Democrat politicians and liberal newscasters are now coming out of the woodwork to reverse (or ignore) their previously stated denial that former President Joe Biden had any mental acuity issues when he was in office — and that it’s time to move forward.
Democrat politicians and liberal newscasters are now coming out of the woodwork to reverse (or ignore) their previously stated denial that former President Joe Biden had any mental acuity issues when he was in office — and that it’s time to move forward. You need not be a political savant to know that moving forward for the Democrats will require significant change. They need newer, younger leadership. The party needs to move more to the political center from the far left. And they need to develop a new platform and policies that are more relevant to voters.
As a young Virginian, I often hear people say my generation is disengaged from politics, but I wholeheartedly disagree. We care deeply about the future of our communities, our economy and our country, and we pay attention to the leaders who continue to show up and do the work. Congressman Rob Wittman has consistently focused on the issues that matter to young people. From promoting career and technical education to working for affordable energy solutions, he’s creating opportunities for the next generation. At a time when college tuition and the cost of living continue to rise, efforts to strengthen trade programs and support small businesses give young Virginians more options to succeed.
Letters to the editor
Is he kidding or just oblivious? Just like Trump, George Cranford's letter to the editor ("Stop the hateful rhetoric toward Trump," May 28) is filled with inaccuracies and vitriol toward anyone not in his camp. Cranford condemns without facts to support his accusations, yet calls for everyone who doesn’t think like him to tone it down. Mr. Cranford, can you not see the hypocrisy?
I was horrified to read in the Richmond Times-Dispatch about a 3-year-old toddler in Chesterfield County who fatally shot himself with an unsecured gun ("Chesterfield man charged after 3-year-old boy accidentally shoots, kills himself," May 2). He was visiting a family friend. Sadly, statistics confirm that more children, from birth to age 17, are killed by guns than by any other means (i.e. disease, car wrecks). Brady, the oldest gun violence prevention organization in America, promotes June 21 as ASK Day, or "Asking Saves Kids Day."
After World War II, the center of research excellence shifted from Europe to the U.S. The National Science Foundation was established to fund basic research beyond the reach of private enterprises. The National Institutes of Health vastly increased its support of medical research. Talented researchers flocked to American universities from all over the world. Some stayed, increasing American research expertise. Others went home but maintained the bonds forged in school, thereby facilitating international collaborations to address big scientific problems, all to our benefit. As a result, research productivity expanded at an unprecedented rate, serving as the basis for medical and technological innovations and economic progress.
Millions of Americans are at risk of losing access to health care as Congress is considering a budget package with the largest Medicaid cuts in history. Medicaid, a joint federal and state program, is the single largest source of health coverage in the country. Nearly 72 million Americans, including children, seniors, pregnant people, working families with limited income and resources and people with disabilities rely on Medicaid for essential care, including doctor visits, hospitalizations, long-term care, maternity care, mental health care and rural clinic services.
I have lived in various places during my lifetime, and I can honestly say I have never met a more attentive congressman focused on the needs of his constituents than Rob Wittman. Recent editorials and letters to the editor would have you believe Wittman is avoiding his constituents. There is nothing further from the truth. Wittman can be seen throughout the 1st District, whether it be a senior living facility, visiting hospitals, student groups, businesses or holding a telephone town hall with thousands of people. Wittman does not shy away from tough questions or people who disagree with him.
Wittman isn’t ducking his constituents
I have lived in various places during my lifetime, and I can honestly say I have never met a more attentive congressman focused on the needs of his constituents than Rob Wittman.
Richmond speaks up: Letters to the editor for the week of Jun. 13, 2025
Our weekly round-up of letters published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
As a citizen who values open, honest communication from our elected leaders, I am increasingly concerned about the tools they use to reach us. Our representatives in Congress and our president list social media sites on their official governmental websites. They regularly post messages, updates and report official actions on platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Truth Social, Instagram and YouTube — sites owned by powerful corporations, individuals who have donated to politicians, a “special government employee,” or in the case of Truth Social, an elected politician.
I would like to thank and congratulate Scott Morris, director of the Richmond Department of Public Utilities, for his comprehensive and thorough memorandum to City Council on our struggling water system earlier this month. Morris is laying out a solid path forward. Though lengthy, complicated and expensive, Morris' 10-year plan is frankly realistic — no excuses, no politics, no games.
How Democrats can regain, maintain power
Democrat politicians and liberal newscasters are now coming out of the woodwork to reverse (or ignore) their previously stated denial that former President Joe Biden had any mental acuity issues when he was in office — and that it’s time to move forward.
Democrat politicians and liberal newscasters are now coming out of the woodwork to reverse (or ignore) their previously stated denial that former President Joe Biden had any mental acuity issues when he was in office — and that it’s time to move forward. You need not be a political savant to know that moving forward for the Democrats will require significant change. They need newer, younger leadership. The party needs to move more to the political center from the far left. And they need to develop a new platform and policies that are more relevant to voters.
As a young Virginian, I often hear people say my generation is disengaged from politics, but I wholeheartedly disagree. We care deeply about the future of our communities, our economy and our country, and we pay attention to the leaders who continue to show up and do the work. Congressman Rob Wittman has consistently focused on the issues that matter to young people. From promoting career and technical education to working for affordable energy solutions, he’s creating opportunities for the next generation. At a time when college tuition and the cost of living continue to rise, efforts to strengthen trade programs and support small businesses give young Virginians more options to succeed.
Letters to the editor
Is he kidding or just oblivious? Just like Trump, George Cranford's letter to the editor ("Stop the hateful rhetoric toward Trump," May 28) is filled with inaccuracies and vitriol toward anyone not in his camp. Cranford condemns without facts to support his accusations, yet calls for everyone who doesn’t think like him to tone it down. Mr. Cranford, can you not see the hypocrisy?
I was horrified to read in the Richmond Times-Dispatch about a 3-year-old toddler in Chesterfield County who fatally shot himself with an unsecured gun ("Chesterfield man charged after 3-year-old boy accidentally shoots, kills himself," May 2). He was visiting a family friend. Sadly, statistics confirm that more children, from birth to age 17, are killed by guns than by any other means (i.e. disease, car wrecks). Brady, the oldest gun violence prevention organization in America, promotes June 21 as ASK Day, or "Asking Saves Kids Day."
After World War II, the center of research excellence shifted from Europe to the U.S. The National Science Foundation was established to fund basic research beyond the reach of private enterprises. The National Institutes of Health vastly increased its support of medical research. Talented researchers flocked to American universities from all over the world. Some stayed, increasing American research expertise. Others went home but maintained the bonds forged in school, thereby facilitating international collaborations to address big scientific problems, all to our benefit. As a result, research productivity expanded at an unprecedented rate, serving as the basis for medical and technological innovations and economic progress.
Millions of Americans are at risk of losing access to health care as Congress is considering a budget package with the largest Medicaid cuts in history. Medicaid, a joint federal and state program, is the single largest source of health coverage in the country. Nearly 72 million Americans, including children, seniors, pregnant people, working families with limited income and resources and people with disabilities rely on Medicaid for essential care, including doctor visits, hospitalizations, long-term care, maternity care, mental health care and rural clinic services.
I have lived in various places during my lifetime, and I can honestly say I have never met a more attentive congressman focused on the needs of his constituents than Rob Wittman. Recent editorials and letters to the editor would have you believe Wittman is avoiding his constituents. There is nothing further from the truth. Wittman can be seen throughout the 1st District, whether it be a senior living facility, visiting hospitals, student groups, businesses or holding a telephone town hall with thousands of people. Wittman does not shy away from tough questions or people who disagree with him.
Wittman isn’t ducking his constituents
I have lived in various places during my lifetime, and I can honestly say I have never met a more attentive congressman focused on the needs of his constituents than Rob Wittman.
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