Authorities in Virginia’s capital city are reminding people to leave their guns at home if they plan to protest outside the statehouse.
Richmond police say signs are being posted in advance of events surrounding Lobby Day 2021 reminding people that firearms are prohibited at permitted events and events that would otherwise require a permit, as well as in adjacent public areas.
“We also expect your full cooperation and respect of our new laws; one of which prohibits firearms in our public buildings and city parks and at gatherings and events that are permitted or should be permitted," Mayor Levar Stoney said during a news conference with the governor Thursday. "The violence and the insurrectionist activities that we saw at our nation’s capital will not be tolerated in Virginia’s capital.”
Lobby Day falls on Monday this year. The term refers to the time when public interest groups gather at the statehouse to express their views on public policy issues. Those groups include supporters of gun rights.