Demonstrators picked up trash off the streets of downtown Richmond as they left a pro-Second Amendment rally in the Virginia capital.
Footage posted on social media shows gun rights activists and other attendees doing their part to clean up after the Monday rally in protest of several pieces of gun control legislation being considered in the state.
“Pick up the trash, everybody, put it right here in this bag,” a man can be heard saying in one video while he holds a large plastic trash bag. “It’s a birthday present for Ralph Northam, all right? Put it right here.”
Groups picking up trash off the road after the rally is over. #VirginiaRally #Virginia2A @ABC13News pic.twitter.com/RgMlQroE2N
— Caroline Eaker (@caroline_wset) January 20, 2020
Northam, a Democrat, is the governor of the commonwealth and has expressed support for a series of restrictive gun laws proposed by Democrats in the General Assembly, including bills that would limit handgun sales, virtually ban assault-style weapons, and include red flag policies that would allow local law enforcement to take guns from citizens deemed a threat to public safety.
Thousands of Second Amendment activists, many of them heavily armed, gathered in downtown Richmond to decry the legislation, which they believe violates the Constitution.
“We will not comply,” some of them shouted.
Earlier posted video of Pledge of Allegiance. For those who’ve asked, here’s the video of “We will not comply.” Taken seconds apart. pic.twitter.com/vl66eQsLIo
— Gabe Gutierrez (@gabegutierrez) January 20, 2020
Northam declared a state of emergency in anticipation of the protests.
