Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has declared a state of emergency from January 17-21, temporarily banning weapons in the face of threats the government cites as surrounding a pro-gun demonstration at Richmond’s Capitol Square.
“Law enforcement intelligence analysts have identified credible threats of violence surrounding the event, along with white nationalist rhetoric and plans by out-of-state militia groups to attend,” the Governor’s office said.
Several pro-gun groups will demonstrate at the Capitol in Richmond on Monday, January 20, calling it a “Lobby Day” to express their opposition to proposed plans to restrict weapons.
Democrats, who control both chambers of Virginia legislature, favor banning assault weapons, red flag laws and propose universal background checks. Republicans and critics of gun control say such move contravene the Second Amendment of the Constitution.
Northam says he supports citizens’ right to peacefully protest but he must keep the peace.
The Governor’s declaration prohibits all weapons, including firearms, from Capitol grounds, and will provide joint law enforcement and public safety agencies the resources they need to keep demonstrators, policymakers, and all Virginians safe, Northam’s office said.
According to an AP report, more than 100 counties, cities and towns have declared themselves Second Amendment sanctuaries and say they would oppose any new “unconstitutional restrictions” on guns.
Based on these threats, I am declaring a state of emergency in Richmond from Friday evening until Tuesday evening. This will include a ban on weapons of any kind in Capitol Square during that time. Learn more here: https://t.co/k8bxLj6odF
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) January 15, 2020
According to Governor Northam a unified command with State Police, Capitol Police, Richmond police and first responders has been put in place to ensure safety and maintenance of law and order.
“These are considered credible and serious threats,” Northam said, according to a CBS report.
“This intel comes from mainstream channels both off line and online such as alternative dark web channels used by white nationalists outside of Virginia. These are fueled by misinformation and conspiracy theories. No one wants another incident like the one we saw in Charlottesville in 2017. We will not allow that mayhem and violence.”
The Governor’s Emergency Declaration also recalls the Charlottesville violence.
“Three years ago, Virginia and the nation, watched horrified as civil protest was marred by violence and hate. The events that occurred in Charlottesville, Virginia demonstrated what can happen when peaceful demonstrations are hijacked by those who come into the Commonwealth and do not value the importance of peaceful assembly. We lost three Virginians. We must take all precautions to prevent that from ever happening again.”
