Roanoke’s CBS affiliate reports:
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) declared a State of Emergency ahead of Monday’s planned pro-gun rally on Capitol Square.
According to Northam’s statement, “Law enforcement intelligence analysts have identified credible threats of violence surrounding the event, along with white nationalist rhetoric and plans by out-of-state militia groups to attend.”
All weapons, including guns, will be prohibited from the Capitol grounds. The declaration will be in effect from Friday, Jan. 17 at 5 p.m. until Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 5 p.m.
Gov. Northam says authorities have intercepted “credible” intelligence that suggests armed militias are planning to storm the Capitol in Virginia during a gun rights rally next week. https://t.co/i7VG0RBqQt
— Tess Owen (@misstessowen) January 15, 2020
NEW — White nationalist militia threats cause Va. Gov. Northam to declare STATE OF EMERGENCY.
• Here’s Executive Order 49:
• Credible intelligence evaluated, pro gun groups plan to assemble MONDAY and “storm capitol”
• “Weaponize drones” also a threat #breaking @WUSA9 pic.twitter.com/bzRnvhI98O— Mike Valerio (@MikevWUSA) January 15, 2020
Based on these threats, I am declaring a state of emergency in Richmond from Friday evening until Tuesday evening. This will include a ban on weapons of any kind in Capitol Square during that time. Learn more here: https://t.co/k8bxLj6odF
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) January 15, 2020
EMERGENCY AIRLIFT: @Magpul_HQ sent us 1,000 30 Round PMAGs to hand out tomorrow in Richmond to NRA members who show up to fight Northam’s extreme gun ban!
We’ll see everyone TOMORROW at the General Assembly Building in Senate Sub-Committee Room #1 on the 5th Floor at 8am! #valeg pic.twitter.com/wovch0bTuU
— NRA (@NRA) January 13, 2020
There will be a single entrance into VA Capitol square on Monday, ahead of what may be a massive rally opposing gun control legislation in Virginia. pic.twitter.com/HaKSK39QE3
— Mel Leonor (@MelLeonor_) January 15, 2020