President Trump warned Americans on Monday that Virginia Democrats "are working hard to take away your Second Amendment rights," following state officials' temporary prohibition of weapons near the capitol complex.
The ban was announced ahead of a rally scheduled for Monday in Richmond, which was organized to protest gun-control legislation that Virginia legislators are considering. Citing threats of "malicious plans" for the event, Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency before the gathering. Increased security around the complex is also in place.
Some sources anticipate anti-government groups and white supremacists will attend the rally. Officials have expressed their desire to avoid a repeat of the violent 2017 gathering in Charlottesville, Virginia.