That's not a gotcha, it's called a state preemption law and most states which respect the RKBA have one on their books. It simply prevents local politicians in liberal-leftist areas of the state, like Alexandria for example, passing gun laws which are more strict than state gun law.
The imbecilic editorialist obviously thinks the elitist-leftists in the Washington suburbs should be able to restrict the rights of all VA citizens who happen to live in or pass through their liberal enclave. Judging by the recent actions of the VA legislators and governor, the majority of VA's citizens disagree. Doncha just love to hear the libs whine and moan when unConstitutional gun laws are repealed?
This NYT editorial is even more whiny and moany than the Wash Post story yesterday (or was it Saturday?).
And you're right, it's a hoot.
What makes it even more satisfying is that the NYT can't gin-up any "corrective" actions or editorial drumbeating, since they'd get a hearing only in Alexandria, Arlington, and perhaps Reston (oh, and maybe Falls Church City which lost it's grandfathered ban on open carry).
So the NYT is reduced to impotent carping, and that's as far it'll get.
The NYT (as to be expected) not once mentioned that Starbucks can put a "No Firearms Permitted" sign on its doors if it so chooses, and that any proprietor of any establishment can ask an open carry patron to leave (or just remove the firearm from the premises). The penalty for refusal to comply is misdemeanor trespassing.