The eyes of the nation are on Richmond Virginia today, as thousands of gun-rights advocates have descended on the state capital to protest new gun legislation proposed by the state.
Gov. Ralph Northam declared a temporary state of emergency days before todays rally banning people from carrying gun on the state capital. Of the groups believed to be in attendance are Virginia Citizens Defense League, Gun Owners of America, Oath Keepers, Three Percenter Movement and white supremacists groups.
Gun rights supporters march down a street in Richmond. pic.twitter.com/3fdZVnAlCp
— The Virginian-Pilot (@virginianpilot) January 20, 2020
The protests are in repose to legislation that would, "require background checks on all firearms purchases, limit handgun purchases to one per month and also allow localities to ban guns from certain events and government buildings", according to WWBT.
Literally thousands of people violating the ban on open carry of a loaded rifle with a mag >20 rounds in the city of Richmond today. It's a class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail.
— Lee Carter (@carterforva) January 20, 2020
So much for law abiding gun owners.https://t.co/Atqonw5rGV
Last week the FBI said they had made a number of arrests based off of credible intelligence that white supremacists were planning violent attacks during the days rallies.
The morning commute #Richmond2ARally pic.twitter.com/gW946MyflH
— Andrew Kimmel (@andrewkimmel) January 20, 2020
What is so striking about the scene at the gun rights rally in Richmond is what you don’t see: almost no cops. Just that little cluster of state police there. No lines of riot cops. No law enforcement in riot gear. pic.twitter.com/W0jkwYmmkP
— Lois Beckett (@loisbeckett) January 20, 2020
This is what’s happening in Richmond— a deadly mix of gun activists, military-grade weaponry, battle tanks, and white supremacists. This movement is all-white and racially divisive.
— Kristen Clarke (@KristenClarkeJD) January 20, 2020
They are doing this on #MLKDay. pic.twitter.com/1HBWnliiG1
QAnon flag spotted at the Richmond gun rally pic.twitter.com/57LnIZcb9j
— Will Sommer (@willsommer) January 20, 2020
Richmond, across from the security line into the capitol pic.twitter.com/B0YIQmNnVZ
— Lois Beckett (@loisbeckett) January 20, 2020
Rifle boys lined up for their photo op in Richmond pic.twitter.com/ggIqhTXadq
— Lois Beckett (@loisbeckett) January 20, 2020
Big groups of heavily armed men arriviving in Richmond, many in camo and body armor pic.twitter.com/N9SqKQadia
— Ned Oliver (@nedoliver) January 20, 2020
Really just huge numbers of armed groups in military gear in Richmond today. pic.twitter.com/vUoSWN8fXl
— Will Sommer (@willsommer) January 20, 2020
I’m in Richmond for today’s gun rally. Will be updating throughout the day. Stay safe everybody. pic.twitter.com/SzmhraTW8E
— Sebastian Murdock (@SebastianMurdoc) January 20, 2020
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