‘Racist Ralph has got to go’: Gun rights activists call for Northam to step down

Northam was forced to apologize last year after yearbook photos surfaced of him allegedly wearing blackface during a Halloween party in college, sparking national headlines and an internal investigation.

Northam initially denied the photo was of him before issuing his apology.

“I am deeply sorry for the decision I made to appear as I did in this photo and for the hurt that decision caused then and now,” Northam eventually said. “This behavior is not in keeping with who I am today.”

Thousands of Second Amendment activists took to the streets for a rally on Monday in response to sweeping gun legislation proposed by Northam and the commonwealth’s Democratic-controlled General Assembly.

The legislation would limit purchases of handguns to once a month, virtually ban military-style weapons, and give local governments the authority to seize guns from people law enforcement deems a threat to the public.

The proposed measure has sparked outrage among gun enthusiasts in the state, where nearly 100 towns, cities, and counties have declared themselves “Second Amendment sanctuaries.”

In anticipation of a potentially volatile situation on Monday, Northam declared a citywide state of emergency in the capital.

“If you don’t need to be in downtown Richmond on Monday, please consider staying home,” he said.