Thousands rally in Virginia’s capital for gun rights; police brace for trouble

Thousands of gun-rights activists rallied at the Virginia Capitol on Monday under a heavy police presence, protesting

Mandatory Credit: Photo by JIM LO SCALZO/EPA-EFE/REX (10530997cj) Gun-rights supporters gather for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA, 20 January 2020. Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally to lobby against gun measures, introduced by Virginia's Democratic-led assembly, that would require background checks and ban guns in some public parks and buildings. The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists. Gun rights rally in Richmond, Virginia, USA - 20 Jan 2020 ** Usable by LA, CT and MoD ONLY **

Gun-rights supporters gather for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Va. (Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA)

Jan. 20, 2020 11:26 AM PT

Stephen Willeford speaks to the crowd of pro gun demonstrators.

Stephen Willeford speaks to the crowd of pro gun demonstrators. (Steve Helber/Associated Press)

A demonstrator holds a "Come and Take It" banner.

A demonstrator holds a “Come and Take It” banner. (Julio Cortez/Asscoiated Press)

Gun rights supporters gather and march.

Gun rights supporters gather and march. (Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA)

Police stand post as gun-rights supporters gather.

Police stand post as gun-rights supporters gather. (Shawn Thew/EPA)

Gun-rights supporters gather.

Gun-rights supporters gather. (Shawn Thew/EPA)

Jan Morgan, an Arkansas gun range owner, addresses the gathering.

Jan Morgan, an Arkansas gun range owner, addresses the gathering.
(Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Gun-rights supporters gather.

Gun-rights supporters gather. (Shawn Thew/EPA)

Billy Llewellyn, of Hanover Va., holds a sign in front of the Virginia State Capitol.

Billy Llewellyn, of Hanover Va., holds a sign in front of the Virginia State Capitol. (Steve Helber/Associated Press)

Gun-rights supporters gather.

Gun-rights supporters gather. (Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA)

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