A pro-gun rally in Richmond, VA, continues on Monday despite Governor Ralph Northam forbidding guns from the State Capitol grounds last week.
Many state officials feared a repeat of the violent “Unite the Right” rally of 2017. Security around the capital building beefed up in advance of these protests.
At the time of this writing the protest has remained peaceful, but there were threats earlier in the week of politically-motivated violence. These threats led the Governor to declare a state of emergency and ban firearms from the Capitol Square outright.
The protestors have split into two groups: People who surrendered their firearms in order to enter the Capitol Square, and armed protestors who are staying outside the grounds.
Many are feeling trepidation about the throngs of gun-wielding activists and protestors outside the secured area. Some armed folks are using binoculars to scan rooftops for armed police officers.
The protests surround modest gun control reforms that Virginia’s new Democratic majority will vote on this week. Measures intended to curb gun violence have been the center of Governor Northam’s platform.
Proposed measures include:
Many protestors in the crowd have stated that they feel the government is trying to “roll over” them, and are sporting flags and signs with messages like “come and take it” over images of firearms.
Also, there will be speeches later in the day from Conservative, pro-gun pundits.
Conspiracy theorist and far-right personality Alex Jones is on the scene. Jones was seen riding in an armored vehicle and using a megaphone to make announcements about tyranny, freedom and the Founding Fathers. Many have noted that it is difficult to hear him over the sounds of the crowd.
As the day goes on, police are hoping for an uneventful protest.
