The only ones with "malicious plans" are Virginia Democrats. They want to strip Virginians of their right to keep and bear arms. This in the same State that produced Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, James Madison, James Monroe, Patrick Henry, etc. What a disgrace.(NPR) Virginia Governor Declares State Of Emergency Ahead Of Gun Rights Rally
January 15, 20204:02 PM ET
Fearing potential violence, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is declaring a state of emergency and is banning firearms and other weapons on the Capitol grounds in Richmond ahead of a gun rights demonstration planned for next week.
"We have received credible intelligence from our law enforcement agencies that there are groups with malicious plans for the rally that is planned for Monday," Northam said during a press conference Wednesday afternoon.
Gun rights supporters are preparing to converge on Richmond for a lobbying day and a rally Monday morning. They're opposed to efforts by Virginia Democrats — who've just taken over control of the Virginia legislature following the November 2019 elections — to pass a slate of gun control bills backed by Northam.
The event, hosted by Virginia Citizens Defense League, is expected to draw thousands of armed demonstrators, some from out of state. Organizers have said they hope to hold a peaceful event.