Ralph Northam, also know as “Coonman” in college, is shown posing in blatantly racist attire.

The most controversial part of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam’s 2nd Amendment crushing agenda has failed.

In a vote that was a bit of a surprise, four Democrats have joined with Republicans in the committee vote to bring it to the floor. Instead of pushing it forward, they have decided to shelve the proposal for the year.

BREAKING: Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's push to ban the sale of assault weapons has failed after members of his own party balked at the proposal. https://t.co/jZ6rQs0KlU pic.twitter.com/lSMqRK1HFf

— ABC 7 News – WJLA (@ABC7News) February 17, 2020

Random note before we continue: That picture ABC 7 is using is of a fully automatic rifle being shown at a military display in Russia. It has absolutely nothing to do with anything being discussed here. That’s the kind of bias the media consistently shows on this issue.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s push to ban the sale of assault weapons has failed after members of his own party balked at the proposal.

Senators voted to shelve the bill for the year and ask the state crime commission to study the issue, an outcome that drew cheers from a committee room packed with gun advocates.

Four moderate Democrats joined Republicans in Monday’s committee vote, rejecting legislation that would have prohibited the sale of certain semiautomatic firearms, including popular AR-15 style rifles, and banned the possession of magazines that hold more than 12 rounds.

The bill was a top priority for Northam, a Democrat who has campaigned heavily for a broad package of gun-control measures.

This isn’t a total victory, as several other, less consequential (but still unconstitutional) “gun control” laws have already passed. But, this was the one that sought to target a broad range of semi-automatic weapons, as well as their magazines. The huge protests that took place some months ago look to have actually worked. While Northam may not have to fear voters, there are Democrats in the General Assembly who will face a backlash in their less liberal areas. Some of them tried to save their own skin here.

Still, the red flag law they’ve passed is expected to be codified and that’s a huge bludgeon for a government to wield. Unfortunately, some conservative voices like David French joined to champion such laws, apparently having no care for the obvious abuse that can and will come with them. That will likely be Northam’s next move now that his direct attack has failed.

Because this “assault weapons” bill (a nonsensical name in and of itself) was shelved for the year and it’s only February, that likely means it’s dead for the foreseeable future. At least until Virginia delivers a larger majority for Democrats. Residents in the state have been granted a reprieve, but it will be up to them whether they ensure it’s permanent or not. It’s time for Virginia to wake up and for conservatives from other states to help them in whatever ways we can.