Every January in Richmond, Virginia, members of the Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL) and other pro-gun rights advocates assemble at the state capitol to lobby their representatives of Second Amendment protections.
In 2020, approximately 20,000 supporters stood in and around the capitol grounds to demonstrate their support. This year, the number was significantly smaller — a few hundred people gathered. One organizer said he was still happy with the turnout; numerous people showed despite rumors of violence at state capitols during Inauguration week and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The main mission of this day, I was told, was to tell their law makers to “say no to gun control.” The group, which includes members from all corners of the state, was seeking that 2020 gun control laws were repealed in Virginia during the new session.
In addition to pro-gun rights advocates and members of the VCDL, members of the Proud Boys Southeast Virginia chapter and the Boogaloo Bois were armed and present. There was also a group of counter-protestors at the event, including armed members of the Original Black Panther Party.
Despite being heavily armed, the mood at the event appeared to be calm and respectful. It dissipated without violence or threats from groups on either side.
Here’s some of what I saw:
