US gun-rights activists descend on Virginia in unprecedented show of force

Nick Allen
The protesters are incensed by the Democrat-controlled government's plan to toughen restrictions - AP
The protesters are incensed by the Democrat-controlled government's plan to toughen restrictions - AP

Standing outside the Virginia state capitol building Brandon Lewis, a gun rights activist, explained why he should be allowed to own the 4ft-long, .50 caliber MA82 sniper rifle he was carrying.

"We kicked you guys (the British) out. The technology’s changed since then, but you still need to send a message," he told The Daily Telegraph.

"The government is not above us, they come from us, and every now and again we need to remind them."

Mr Lewis was surrounded by other heavily armed people from across America who had descended on Richmond - the capital of the Confederacy in the US Civil War - to oppose proposed new gun restrictions.

Virginia' s state legislature fell to Democrats last year and plans include banning magazines with more than 10 rounds, and stopping people buying more than one gun a month.

It has made the state ground zero in America's gun debate, and the rally was an unprecedented show of force.

Donald Trump backed the protest, writing on Twitter: "The Democrat Party in Virginia are working hard to take away your 2nd Amendment rights. This is just the beginning. Don’t let it happen."

The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists - Credit: REX
The rally attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists Credit: REX

Militias and paramilitary groups in camouflage marched through Richmond, but there was no repeat of the violence that exploded at a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in 2017.

Some white supremacists were arrested in advance, and anti-fascist groups stayed away.

Armed protesters waved Gadsen flags from the American Revolution, depicting a coiled rattlesnake, along with campaign flags supporting Mr Trump. Chants of "USA, USA" echoed through the streets and protesters raised signs including "The American Revolution Began For Less," and "Gun Control Is Racist".

Many had "Guns Save Lives" stickers on their Ar-15 assault weapons and handguns.

Trevor, an office worker with an AR-15 slung over his grey suit and tie, said: "We're a country born of a rebellion.This is our culture. I'm just here to keep people safe, whether they realise it or not."

Chris Smith, a pipe fitter carrying an AKM assault rifle, said: "It [gun culture] is integral to being an American. If you haven't grown up around it then maybe you don't see it.

"To a lot of people in England this probably seems extreme and crazy, all these people with these rifles, but the bottom line is we have to be able to defend ourselves if people are harming our families, or against a tyrant."