Armed Protesters Demonstrate at Virginia State Capitol on 'Lobby Day'

Storyful
3 年前

Protesters identifying as members of the Proud Boys and Boogaloo Bois demonstrated near the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond on Monday, January 18, for the city’s “Lobby Day.”

Local media reported that gun rights activists were scheduled to the annual event known as Lobby Day, where Virginians take to the steps of the state Capitol to address their concerns to legislators at the start of the state’s General Assembly session.

The ground around Capitol Square was closed on January 18 as local law enforcement prepared for “potential threats” following the January 6 storming of the US Capitol in Washington.

The FBI warned of potential armed demonstrations at state capitols across the country ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. However, dozens of militia organizations and other groups, including the Oathkeepers and the Proud Boys, have warned members to stay away from protests at capitols.

This footage was filmed by Brendan Gutenschwager. Credit: Brendan Gutenschwager via Storyful