I do not agree with the attendees at this rally (and I am a gun owner) but I do agree with their right to lawfully, peacefully protest. We can all thank God cool heads prevailed and there wasn't any violence and no, I do not think Gov Northam over reacted in declaring a state of emergency last week. Applying a chant heard at many marches I have participated in, this is what democracy looks like. One can be sure the concept of democracy is lost on those standing below with their sign displaying the traitors rag and their declaration of treason against the United States ' Fightin' terrorist since 1861'. Guess the best part of them ran down someones leg because these drippings need to be constantly reminded the South lost the war. From Democracy Now! and NPR.....
10,000s Attend Pro-Gun Rally in Virginia
HEADLINEJAN 21, 2020
Back in the United States, tens of thousands of so-called gun rights supporters took to the streets of Richmond, Virginia, Monday to protest new gun control proposals by the state’s freshly elected Democratic government. Protesters included members of far-right groups, and many openly carried guns, including assault rifles, as they gathered around the state Capitol. Democratic Governor Ralph Northam called a state of emergency ahead of the rally, but no major incidents were reported.
A Packed, Peaceful Protest: Activists Descend On Virginia's Capitol For Pro-Gun Rally
FROM
In the shadow of looming concern from state officials, the Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL)'s annual lobbying day event and rally Monday went as organizers planned with 22,000 in attendance, only one arrest and no notable issues (with the possible exception of the frigid temperature.)
Traditionally, the event has provided the group an opportunity to lobby their representatives about gun issues that matter to the people of Virginia.
The event attracted national attention this year, in part due to the number of Second Amendment supporters that were expected to travel to Richmond from across the region. Supporters were energized by a legislative agenda filled with firearm regulations they're hoping to address with state officials.
But last week, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's declared a state of emergency to run from Friday through Tuesday, citing credible threats of civil unrest and violence.
Less than a day after Northam announced the state of emergency, the FBI arrested three men with ties to the extremist group "The Base" who had discussed attending Monday's rally. Three more men were later arrested in Georgia with ties to "The Base" though it's still unclear if they had any intention of traveling to the event in Virginia.
Members of the WAMU reporting team are bundling up in Richmond this morning in advance of today's gun rights rally at the Capitol.
Follow the crew: @Dacheslow, @tyronefoto & @alanawise_
Are you planning on attending the rally? Following from home?
As crowds gather this morning, our team spent time talking with folks who had made the trip to Richmond:
Outside the Capitol grounds, rally attendees carry signs and flags while others pair tactical gear and helmets, long guns in hand.
Shortly after noon, the slate of speakers wrapped up and those who chose to participate in the rally from inside the gated Capitol grounds began the long, but uneventful, process of filing out.
Capitol Police say that 22,000 people attended today's rally, 16,000 outside the gates and 6,000 inside the gated area on the Capitol grounds.
Official say only one person was arrested and there were no violent incidents. The individual arrested was taken in for wearing a mask to conceal their identity.
WAMU's Daniella Cheslow contributed to this story.
WAMU's Daniella Cheslow contributed to this story.
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