Virginia officials upped security for a pro-gun rally in Richmond after receiving 'credible threats of violence'
REUTERS/Jonathan Drake
The FBI and local law enforcement agencies in Virginia are working together to prevent "threats of violence" issued ahead of a pro-gun rally in Richmond on Monday.
Thousands of gun-rights activists descended on Richmond for a "Lobby Day Rally" to voice support for the Second Amendment.
Members of militia groups and white supremacists also descended on the city for the rally.
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced a state of a state of emergency on Wednesday.
The FBI, Virginia State Police, Virginia Capitol Police, and the Richmond Police have increased security in the area ahead of the rally.
The FBI and local law enforcement agencies in Virginia are working together regarding "threats of violence" ahead of a pro-gun rally being held in Richmond on Monday.
Thousands of gun-rights activists, members of militia groups, and white supremacists, were expected to descend on Richmond for the the "Lobby Day Rally," which coincides with a date that celebrates the legacy of civil rights advocate Martin Luther King, Jr.
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced a state of emergency on Wednesday, citing "credible threats of violence" reminiscent of language used by white nationalists at the fatal "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017.
On Sunday, the FBI Richmond field office said in a statement that the agency would "provide assistance as deemed appropriate to ensure public safety."
"In response to a request for assistance from the Virginia Division of Capitol Police, FBI Richmond has been working with our local and state law enforcement partners in relation to threats of violence at the rally on January 20, 2020," FBI spokesperson Dee Rybiski said in a statement to CNN.
The Virginia State Police, Virginia Capitol Police, and Richmond Police organized to have a huge police presence at the rally, with only one entrance to Capitol Square, and lines for security screening.
Federal authorities have already arrested several neo-Nazis over concerns of violent acts ahead Monday's rally.
The Virginia Citizens Defense League, which organized Monday's event, said the annual rally was intended to send a message of support for the Second Amendment.
"We're against any more gun control that affects everyday law-abiding citizens. We don't need any more gun control, we're not the problem," Philip Van Cleave, president of the organization, told CBS News.
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