by Chip Lauterbach
Capital News Service –
Chants of “We will not comply,” and “USA, USA” sounded through the blanket of security as thousands of armed Second Amendment supporters converged on Richmond to protest proposed gun control measures on Lobby Day, Monday, January 20.
The rally, organized by the gun rights group Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL), raised security concerns in the days leading up to it. Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency and banned firearms from the Capitol grounds from January 17-21.
Over the weekend, Capitol Police erected a fence around the grounds and created one main security checkpoint into the area where speakers would be located. Capitol Police estimated around 22,000 people attended, with 6,000 entering the secured area where weapons were not allowed.
Despite the Governor’s ban, many gun rights advocates came armed and opted to stay outside of the State Capitol grounds, flooding streets around the Capitol and legislative offices in the Pocahontas Building.
Capitol Police reported that one arrest was made. A Richmond woman was charged for wearing a mask in public—a felony in Virginia.
