The Virginia House of Delegates has passed a measure banning the possession of assault weapons, a controversial move which sparked armed demonstrations and hopes of a “civil war” among members of a white supremacist group who were arrested by the FBI.

The measure must still pass in the Virginia Senate before becoming state law. However, another similar bill banning certain assault firearms failed in a Virginia Senate committee earlier this session.

House Bill 961, which has been described as one of the most ambitious proposals put forth by Virginia Governor Ralph Northam (D—VA), sets restrictions on magazine sizes and makes it a felony to possess, purchase or sell assault firearms.

The law would make it illegal to import or manufacture assault firearms across the state, home to the National Rifle Association headquarters and often considered a state with some of the most lax gun laws in the country.

Gun control became a major platform for Virginia Democrats, who regained control of the General Assembly during a historic vote in November of last year, flipping both houses in the deeply red state and vowing to deliver sweeping measures to combat an increase in statewide gun deaths.

Gun rights rally in Virginia Show all 32 1 /32 Gun rights rally in Virginia Gun rights rally in Virginia Gun rights advocates and militia members attend a rally organised by The Virginia Citizens Defense League on Capitol Square near the state capitol building in Richmond Reuters Gun rights rally in Virginia During elections last year, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam promised to enact sweeping gun control laws in 2020, including limiting handgun purchase to one per month, banning military-style weapons and silencers, allowing localities to ban guns in public spaces and enacting a 'red flag' law so authorities can temporarily seize weapons from someone deemed a threat AP Gun rights rally in Virginia While event organisers asked supporters to show up un-armed, militias and other far-right groups from across the country attended the rally with guns to show their support for gun rights AP Gun rights rally in Virginia A man with his face covered joins the rally Getty Gun rights rally in Virginia epa08144558 Gun-rights supporters gather for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA, 20 January 2020. Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally to lobby against gun measures, introduced by VirginiaÃ•s Democratic-led assembly, that would require background checks and ban guns in some public parks and buildings. The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists. EPA/SHAWN THEW SHAWN THEW EPA Gun rights rally in Virginia RICHMOND, VIRGINIA - JANUARY 20: Gun rights advocates attend a rally organized by The Virginia Citizens Defense League on Capitol Square near the state capitol building January 20, 2020 in Richmond, Virginia. During elections last year, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam promised to enact sweeping gun control laws in 2020, including limiting handgun purchase to one per month, banning military-style weapons and silencers. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Win McNamee Getty Gun rights rally in Virginia A woman speaks during a pro-gun rally, Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, in Richmond, Va. Thousands of pro-gun supporters are expected at the rally to oppose gun control legislation like universal background checks that are being pushed by the newly elected Democratic legislature. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Julio Cortez AP Gun rights rally in Virginia An armed militia member wears a badge commemorating today at a gun rights rally near Virginia's Capitol, in Richmond, Virginia, U.S. January 20, 2020. REUTERS/Jonathan Drake JONATHAN DRAKE Reuters Gun rights rally in Virginia epa08144964 Gun-rights supporters gather for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA, 20 January 2020. Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally to lobby against gun measures, introduced by Virginia's Democratic-led assembly, that would require background checks and ban guns in some public parks and buildings. The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists. EPA/SHAWN THEW SHAWN THEW EPA Gun rights rally in Virginia People hold a sign near the Virginia State Capitol building to advocate for gun rights in Richmond, Virginia, U.S. January 20, 2020. REUTERS/Stephanie Keith STEPHANIE KEITH Reuters Gun rights rally in Virginia Kem Regik, of Virginia, stands on the sidewalk before a pro gun rally, Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, in Richmond, Va. There was a light crowd early morning Monday outside the Capitol ahead of the rally. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Julio Cortez AP Gun rights rally in Virginia People who are part of an armed militia group arrive near the Virginia State Capitol building to advocate for gun rights in Richmond, Virginia, U.S. January 20, 2020. REUTERS/Stephanie Keith STEPHANIE KEITH Reuters Gun rights rally in Virginia People hold a sign near the Virginia State Capitol building to advocate for gun rights in Richmond, Virginia, U.S. January 20, 2020. REUTERS/Stephanie Keith STEPHANIE KEITH Reuters Gun rights rally in Virginia epa08144557 Gun-rights supporters gather for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA, 20 January 2020. Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally to lobby against gun measures, introduced by VirginiaÃ•s Democratic-led assembly, that would require background checks and ban guns in some public parks and buildings. The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists. EPA/SHAWN THEW SHAWN THEW EPA Gun rights rally in Virginia A woman holds a t-shirt as gun rights advocates and militia members attend rally in Richmond, Virginia, U.S. January 20, 2020. REUTERS/Jim Urquhart JIM URQUHART Reuters Gun rights rally in Virginia RICHMOND, VA - JANUARY 20: Gun rights advocates attend a rally organized by The Virginia Citizens Defense League on Capitol Square near the state capitol building on January 20, 2020 in Richmond, Virginia. During elections last year, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam promised to enact sweeping gun control laws in 2020, including limiting handgun purchase to one per month, banning military-style weapons and silencers, allowing localities to ban guns in public spaces and enacting a 'red flag' law so authorities can temporarily seize weapons from someone deemed a threat. While event organizers have asked supporters to show up un-armed, militias and other far-right groups from across the country plan to attend the rally and show their support for gun rights. (Photo by Zach Gibson/Getty Images) Zach Gibson Getty Gun rights rally in Virginia A protestor holds a sign in front of the Virginia State Capitol building in Richmond, Virginia on January 20, 2020. - Thousands of gun rights supporters descended for a rally in the grounds of the State Capitol under heavy surveillance after authorities were forced to declare a state of emergency for fear of violence by far-right groups. (Photo by Roberto SCHMIDT / AFP) (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images) ROBERTO SCHMIDT AFP via Getty Gun rights rally in Virginia epa08144519 Gun-rights supporters gather for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA, 20 January 2020. Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally to lobby against gun measures, introduced by Virginia's Democratic-led assembly, that would require background checks and ban guns in some public parks and buildings. The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists. EPA/SHAWN THEW SHAWN THEW EPA Gun rights rally in Virginia epa08144971 Alex Jones of Info Wars delivers remarks to gun-rights supporters gathered for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA, 20 January 2020. Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally to lobby against gun measures, introduced by Virginia's Democratic-led assembly, that would require background checks and ban guns in some public parks and buildings. The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists. EPA/SHAWN THEW SHAWN THEW EPA Gun rights rally in Virginia Demonstrators stand on the capitol grounds ahead of a pro gun rally, Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, in Richmond, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) Steve Helber AP Gun rights rally in Virginia RICHMOND, VIRGINIA - JANUARY 20: Gun rights advocates attend a rally organized by The Virginia Citizens Defense League on Capitol Square near the state capitol building January 20, 2020 in Richmond, Virginia. During elections last year, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam promised to enact sweeping gun control laws in 2020, including limiting handgun purchase to one per month, banning military-style weapons and silencers, allowing localities to ban guns in public spaces and enacting a 'red flag' law so authorities can temporarily seize weapons from someone deemed a threat. While event organizers have asked supporters to show up un-armed, militias and other far-right groups from across the country plan to attend the rally and show their support for gun rights. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Win McNamee Getty Gun rights rally in Virginia Demonstrators stand outside a security zone before a pro gun rally, Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, in Richmond, Va. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Julio Cortez AP Gun rights rally in Virginia epa08144513 Gun-rights supporters go through security as they gather for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA, 20 January 2020. Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally to lobby against gun measures, introduced by Virginia's Democratic-led assembly, that would require background checks and ban guns in some public parks and buildings. The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists. EPA/JIM LO SCALZO JIM LO SCALZO EPA Gun rights rally in Virginia RICHMOND, VA - JANUARY 20: Gun rights advocates attend a rally organized by The Virginia Citizens Defense League on Capitol Square near the state capitol building on January 20, 2020 in Richmond, Virginia. During elections last year, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam promised to enact sweeping gun control laws in 2020, including limiting handgun purchase to one per month, banning military-style weapons and silencers, allowing localities to ban guns in public spaces and enacting a 'red flag' law so authorities can temporarily seize weapons from someone deemed a threat. While event organizers have asked supporters to show up un-armed, militias and other far-right groups from across the country plan to attend the rally and show their support for gun rights. (Photo by Zach Gibson/Getty Images) Zach Gibson Getty Gun rights rally in Virginia Demonstrators march during a pro-gun rally, Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, in Richmond, Va. Thousands of pro-gun supporters are expected at the rally to oppose gun control legislation like universal background checks that are being pushed by the newly elected Democratic legislature. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Julio Cortez AP Gun rights rally in Virginia epa08144522 Gun-rights supporters gather for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA, 20 January 2020. Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally to lobby against gun measures, introduced by Virginia's Democratic-led assembly, that would require background checks and ban guns in some public parks and buildings. The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists. EPA/SHAWN THEW SHAWN THEW EPA Gun rights rally in Virginia epa08144532 Gun-rights supporters gather for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA, 20 January 2020. Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally to lobby against gun measures, introduced by Virginia's Democratic-led assembly, that would require background checks and ban guns in some public parks and buildings. The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists. EPA/SHAWN THEW SHAWN THEW EPA Gun rights rally in Virginia epa08144560 Gun-rights supporters gather for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA, 20 January 2020. Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally to lobby against gun measures, introduced by VirginiaÃ•s Democratic-led assembly, that would require background checks and ban guns in some public parks and buildings. The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists. EPA/SHAWN THEW SHAWN THEW EPA Gun rights rally in Virginia A person who is part of an armed militia group arrives near the Virginia State Capitol building to advocate for gun rights in Richmond, Virginia, U.S. January 20, 2020. REUTERS/Stephanie Keith STEPHANIE KEITH Reuters Gun rights rally in Virginia Pro gun protestors gather outside the Virginia State Capitol building in Richmond, Virginia on January 20, 2020. - Thousands of gun rights supporters descended for a rally in the grounds of the State Capitol under heavy surveillance after authorities were forced to declare a state of emergency for fear of violence by far-right groups. (Photo by Roberto SCHMIDT / AFP) (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images) ROBERTO SCHMIDT AFP via Getty Gun rights rally in Virginia Police guard the Virginia State Capitol building in Richmond, Virginia on January 20, 2020. - Thousands of gun rights supporters descended for a rally in the grounds of the State Capitol under heavy surveillance after authorities were forced to declare a state of emergency for fear of violence by far-right groups. (Photo by Roberto SCHMIDT / AFP) (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images) ROBERTO SCHMIDT AFP via Getty Gun rights rally in Virginia Gun-rights supporters gather for the rally at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Monday morning Jan. 20, 2020. Gun-rights activists and other groups are descending on Virginiaâ€™s capital city of Richmond to protest plans by the state's Democratic leadership to pass gun-control legislation. (Rob Ostermaier/The Virginian-Pilot via AP) Rob Ostermaier AP

A package of gun control measures that advanced in the House of Delegates led to massive turnout among guns rights activists at Virginia's annual Lobby Demonstrations, who demanded officials reject laws banning the possession of assault weapons. The FBI arrested multiple alleged members of a known white supremacist group who were reportedly anticipating violence at the massive armed demonstrations that would result in a civil war.

Hidden cameras caught the arrested men discussing the guns right rally, according to court filings from federal prosecutors who said they advocated for attendees to kill people and cause mass destruction. All three men were arrested before the demonstrations.

Many people called for calm ahead of the event, including Susan Bro, the mother of civil rights activist Heather Heyer who died while demonstrating against the 2017 white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Ms Bro told The Independent in an exclusive interview before the demonstrations in Richmond: “The violence is not okay, and extreme measures are not okay either.”

Ms Bro, who has since become a prominent voice in the national conversation surrounding gun safety, also noted how several more controversial gun control measures that passed in the Virginia House of Delegates later failed in the Senate.

“I just think everyone needs to take a moment and breathe," she said, "but I think we’re past that point.”

The latest measure passed in a 51-48 vote in the House on Tuesday after it was introduced by Democratic Delegate Mark Levine.

Brian Moran, the states Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, supported a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines while recalling the mass shooting at Virginia Tech in 2007, in which a shooter opened fire on the college campus using a high-capacity magazine.