Virginia lawmakers ban guns at state capitol ahead of pro-gun rally
Virginia’s lawmakers banned guns in the state capitol ahead of the pro-gun rally that will take place on January 20th in Richmond.
The new regulations took place immediately and banned any firearms within the Capitol Square and any building housing lawmakers or their support staff. Previously, the law allowed licensed firearm holders to carry firearms within the Capitol except in a few restricted areas.
A special rules committee dominated by Democrats voted overwhelmingly for the new restrictions ahead of the march organized by Virginia Citizens Defense League. The gun-rights group organized the rally to convince lawmakers on voting against the proposed anti-gun regulations that the majority of Virginians oppose.
Nearly all counties and major cities within the state have declared their unwillingness to enforce the new laws by declaring Second Amendment Sanctuaries. Virginia Beach, the city that inspired the new gun control legislation after the mass shooting in a municipal building that claimed 12 lives, has also declared itself as second amendment sanctuary. Republicans lawmakers also oppose the bill.
The Democrats claimed that the recommendations had come from the law enforcement, a claim that Virginia Capitol Police denied. Capitol Police Col. Anthony Pike said that he only offered his professional advice on how the ban could be implemented after the lawmakers approached him after making the decision.
In a recent Facebook post, the Virginia Citizens Defense League said the following:

Governor Ralph Northam had called for a dialogue on gun legislation but changed his tune immediately the democrats took over the legislature. Since the democratic takeover, Gov. Northam is willing to push his anti-gun legislation regardless of the reservation of pro-gun lawmakers and opposition from the public.
The Virginia Citizens Defense League organizes its marches every year but this year’s rally has attracted a larger audience 10 times the previous years. The group organizes for three buses, but has already made arrangements for 10 buses without including organizers from other groups, independent attendees and groups from other states.
The overwhelming support for the rally and the declaration of sanctuaries by almost all counties shows that Virginians are opposed to the new gun control regulations proposed by the new Democratic administration.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is pushing universal background checks in our state, and if left unchecked, it will not be long until we see bills like this getting traction in Austin. Texas is embarrassingly ranked 29th for gun rights, and with the help of the political elites in Austin, we will surely rank among New York, California, and Illinois if left to their own devices. Please join our fight today, and help us restore Texas' place as the standard for the U.S.
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