RICHMOND, Va. — Thousands of people arrived Monday at Virginia’s state capitol complex in Richmond to protest proposed gun control legislation put forward by Virginia Governor Ralph Northam and backed by the Democrat controlled House and Senate of the Virginia General Assembly.
“The one unifying theme is we want to fight tyranny and restore liberty,” said one unnamed protester.
The bills pending in the Commonwealth include background checks on all gun sales, some restrictions on the sale frequency, and allowance for some localities to ban firearms at public events. Northam enraged gun owners with an executive order which temporarily banned all weapons from the grounds of the state house for the event. The Virginia Supreme Court backed the Governor’s decision. Northam claimed the decision came because of threats of violence by white supremacist organizations.
Many at Monday’s protests were incensed by the suggestion.
“I do not support in any way shape or form Governor Northam and the Democrats’ gun control, but what I also don’t support is every news piece you have seen on this has brought up the issue of race,” said one African American protester. “As though it’s nothing but white rednecks and hillbillies out here who care about the Second Amendment. When actually, black Americans, Asian American, Hispanic Americans..ALL Americans care about the Second Amendment.”
Reporters at the scene indicated the rally wound up becoming two rallies in one. Because of Northam’s order, many chose to stay outside of the secure area on the Capitol grounds rather than give up their firearms. Thousands more came unarmed and entered the Capitol grounds for the rally and demonstration.
Several Pro-Second Amendment speakers railed against the eight proposed bills which they consider to be a threat to Constitutional freedom. Some of the speakers included Virginia legislators and candidates for office, but others were from all over the country who believe the national fight to protect gun ownership is being staged in Richmond.
Reports indicate there were no incidents and the crowd demonstrated peacefully under the heavy security of the Virginia State Police around the Capitol.