Richmond, VA– Over 20,000 law-abiding gun owners gathered at Virginia’s State Capitol on Monday for a rally supporting 2nd Amendment rights and opposing the far-reaching gun-grab bills proposed by Democrats in this year’s Virginia General Assembly session. The rally was organized by the Virginia Citizens Defense League who has hosted the event annually for over ten years.

Prior to the rally this year, Governor Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency and heightened security, citing that such a rally would draw white supremacists, racists, and other fear-mongers inciting violence. Instead of a typical rally as held in years past, Northam and the dominant media created a narrative that citizens expressing their First and 2nd Amendment rights were dangerous and connected with various hate groups and racist affiliations.

“It’s easy to see that Northam and his Democratic allies used this opportunity to paint law-abiding gun owners in a bad light,” said Virginia House Delegate John McGuire, a Republican candidate for the 7th Congressional District.

“The apparent knee-jerk declaration of emergency was really a tactical political move to drive down turnout at the event and label pro-gun supporters as insurrectionists and racists. But once again, responsible gun owners just proved that they are simply law-abiding citizens who want their voices heard and freedoms maintained.”

The Standard editor Michael Reed interviewed Delegate John McGuire who is running for the 7th District Congressional seat in Virginia. McGuire points out that those who did not vote missed an opportunity to make a difference. Video Debra Smith

Last Thursday, Northam banned all weapons from Capitol grounds, enhanced security by erecting a metal fence around the grounds and closed down all but one point of entry – severely limiting the ability of attendees to get into and out of the grounds.

“Governor Northam has shown his true colors today; the colors of a tyrant. He has unilaterally tread on our 2nd Amendment rights and when we gather to peacefully protest this, he erected a maze of cages. He does everything in his power to limit the people’s access and the right to peacefully petition. All of this while trying to create the story that all gun owners are just a violent hate group,” stated McGuire.

John McGuire was born and raised in Henrico County. Following graduation, John’s call to service led him to the U.S. Navy. After ten years of service as a Navy SEAL, he settled back down in Virginia where he founded a small business, SEAL Team PT Inc., a fitness company. Now, more than two decades later, that company helps train Division 1 athletes and corporations all over the world.

In 2017, John was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates as a representative for District 56, which covers Goochland, Louisa and parts of Henrico and Spotsylvania counties. John has fought for lower taxes and better services for our veterans, law enforcement, and first responders.

McGuire has also submitted several pro-gun bills that would repeal the ban on firearms in churches, allow people to sue the government if they are shot in a gun-free zone, and allow “constitutional carry.” McGuire is a staunch defender of the Second Amendment, having been endorsed by the National Rifle Association receiving an “A” rating. He also has been endorsed by the VCDL with a “100%” rating.

Michael Reed is Editor of The Standard.