Thousands attend gun rights rally in Richmond
RICHMOND, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- Despite the fear of violence, thousands made sure they exercised their First Amendment rights to make sure they don't lose their full Second Amendment rights.
They were attending a gun rights rally in Richmond on Monday, which had raised concerns about potential violence involving white nationalists or other extremists.
Security was tight on the streets surrounding Capitol grounds, with officers from Richmond, the Capitol and Virginia State Police on hand on every street corner and in the air.
Many who attended the rally were aiming their anger at Governor Ralph Northam, who declared a temporary state of emergency and weapons ban last week, and Democrats for attempting what they called government over-reach.
"One good deterrent to stop government over-reach," said rally attendee and attorney Ivan Raiklin. "If you look at the Virginia flag, it says 'Sic Semper Tyrannis,' which is down with tyrants."
Another attorney who attended the rally said this is about protecting the U.S. Constitution.
"We are not going to let the Constitution be taken away from us," said Chuck Smith.
While law enforcement officers from around the area worked to keep the peace, a law enforcement official from Culpeper County says he will defy any gun control law that is passed.
Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins says he will deputize any vetted gun owner in his county.
"We have thousands of concealed carry permit holders as well as many other gun enthusiasts as well as people from all walks of life who might be interested in doing so," he said.
Some gun-rights supporters were openly carrying rifles as a way to show everyone that they know their Second Amendment rights and to say the state should keep the gun law as they currently are.
During the rally, many people were collecting signatures to attempt to recall Northam and possibly file lawsuits if any new gun control bills become law.
Last week, the Virginia Senate passed three bills that specifically address background checks, allowing localities to ban weapons from certain events, and reinstituting the one handgun per month purchasing limitation.