Last Updated on January 20, 2020
The much-hyped Virginia pro-gun rally–which was predicted to end in extremist violence–ended remarkably peacefully, with only one arrest.
Over twenty thousand peaceful gun owners came to Richmond, Virginia, to express their support for the second amendment, which has become increasingly under threat by powerful politicians and organizations.
Storm clouds drew near as the Virginia lobby approached as pundits, media publications, and public figures warned of potential clashes of extremist groups.
“White supremacists,” “Neo-Nazis,” and all forms of political extremists were predicted to wreak havoc in the town during the lobby.
However, thousands of people, from all political inclinations and walks of life dispelled the media’s concerns.
According to the Epoch Times, the only arrest made at the time of this article was a 21-year-old woman who refused to remove her bandanna, tarnishing an otherwise spotless day.
On the VA Capitol Facebook page, it was reported:
At around 1:30 p.m. today, Mikaela E. Beschler, 21, of the 1100 block of North 34th Street, of Richmond, VA was arrested by a Richmond Police officer who was working Lobby Day. She was charged with one felony count of wearing a mask in public in the 800 block of East Broad Street. The arrest resulted after the officer saw Beschler for a third time with a bandanna covering her face. He had repeatedly warned her on two separate occasions to adjust the bandanna. Beschler was released on her own recognizance. Her booking photo is attached.
https://www.facebook.com/VACapitol2020/photos/a.105542084323077/110035510540401/?type=3
Aside from the minor hiccup, the day didn’t bring fireworks, although a demonstrator did decide to wield his unwieldy .50BMG.
Governor Ralph Northam issued a brief statement in a tweet voicing his relief at the day’s peacefulness, saying: “We are all thankful that today passed without incident. The teams successfully de-escalated what could have been a volatile situation. I will continue to listen to the voices of Virginians, and will do everything in my power to keep our Commonwealth safe.”
We are all thankful that today passed without incident. The teams successfully de-escalated what could have been a volatile situation. I will continue to listen to the voices of Virginians, and will do everything in my power to keep our Commonwealth safe. https://t.co/xrHxhOczvv
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) January 20, 2020
Attendees went viral on social media for picking up trash after themselves, setting an example for other protesters.
