In response to what Virginia Governor, Ralph Northam, called “credible intelligence” of threats of violence he has declared a state of emergency and has banned citizens from carrying firearms on Capitol grounds among other weapons.

At a press conference Wednesday Northam stated that authorities believe “armed militia groups plan to storm the Capitol” during an upcoming Pro Second Amendment Rally on January 20. Northam went on to say that law enforcement had intercepted threats and “extremist rhetoric” similar to what was observed prior to the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville in August 2017. “We will not allow that mayhem and violence to happen here,” he said.

The governor’s decision to ban all weapons, including firearms, will only fuel the fire of the thousands of Patriots and Second Amendment advocates who are expected to congregate in Richmond Virginia on the January 20th to participate in the rally in support of our Second Amendment rights.

“No weapons will be allowed on Capitol grounds,” said Northam. “Everything from sticks and bats to chains and projectiles…. The list also includes firearms.”

Members of the rally’s event page on Facebook have expressed that they “will not comply” and leave their firearms at home. In response Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney has vowed a hard line on rule-breakers stating “Violations of the law will not be tolerated”.

The January 20th event known as “Lobby Day”, was organized by the pro-Second Amendment nonprofit organization, Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL). The event was in response to new gun control legislation introduced by the Democratic run state Legislature. Northam admits that VCDL had been planning the rally for some time and has always held peaceful demonstrations.” Northam stated “I believe them when they say this is a peaceful event… Unfortunately, they have unleashed something much larger, something they may not be able to control.”

Over 5,500 people plan to attend according to the Facebook event page, however, VCDL believes as many as 100,000 could potentially show up in support of gun rights.

Armed militia groups are welcomed by VCDL but have been perceived by state government as a threat. Is it possible that memories of Athens Tennessee be haunting officials.

The banning of weapons on Capitol grounds is further concreted by Northam establishing unified command between state police, Capitol police, the Richmond police department, and the city’s first responder teams. This move smells of an elected official posturing and preparing to use state law enforcement to squash a peaceful rally that opposes his politics.

As I am sure many of you are aware, the rally event on January 20th has the potential to be very volatile. To my fellow patriots, be very cautious and watch your six.