PHOTOS: Scenes from the gun-rights rally at Capitol Square in Richmond | Local News | richmond.com

The crowd at Capitol Square as seen from the Pocahontas Building around 10:45 a.m. on Monday.

Lawmakers on the south portico of the Virginia Capitol during a gun-rights rally on Monday.

Part of the crowd at Monday's gun-rights rally on and around Capitol Square.

Virginia State Police work on security during a pro-gun rally at the State Capitol ground in Richmond, Va. in Richmond on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

Outside the rally, a man carries a scoped sniper rifle prior to the rally at the state capitol on Gun Rights Lobby Day, Monday January 20, 2020

Rally attendees with assault-style rifles made their way through the crowd outside Capitol Square on Monday.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets. Police blocked off Grace Street leading to Capitol Square.

Stephen Willeford, a Texas man who shot and killed a church shooter in 2017, pumps his fist as he speaks at the rally at the Capitol.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets. Stephanie Liverman of Portsmough, VA, right, made a selfie with Ron Smelkinson who was dressed as a member of the Continental Army.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets.

The subway at the corner of 8th and Franklin is closed, but this coffee shop on 8th is open. Needless to say it’s a long wait to get a cup

On right, Leonard Harrison of Mebane, N.C. does a Facebook live interview with Aubrey "Japharii" Jones, who is with Black Lives Matter 757, during a gun-rights rally at the Virginia Capitol Monday, January 20, 2020.

Supporters of gun-rights rally at the Virginia Capitol Monday, January 20, 2020.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets. The city parked large trucks at intersections leading to Capitol Square to block traffic.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets. Roxanne Christley of Roanoke, lead a rally outiside the Bank Street entrance to the Capitol.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets. A rally participant with an assault rifle with a large capacity magazine stood beneath a 'Dont Tread on Me' sign waved by another participant.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets. Police kept an eye on rally participants outside on Bank Street.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets. Republican state Sen. Amanda Chase stopped to speak to the crowd gathered outside the Bank Street entrance to the Capitol.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets. Rally participants at the Federal Building across from the Capitol on Bank Street.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets. Paislie Nunnaly enjoyed as snack as her dad, Chris, right, made a video of the events on Bank Street.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets. Grayson County Sheriff Richard Vaughan, right, and his staff showed up in support of gun rights.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets. Dennis Petrocelli of Richmond adjusted his had with a message at the rally.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets. Rally participants marched along Bank Street.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets. Ribus Orion used a bullhorn to shout a message to rally participants outside Capitol Square.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets. The crowd waved flags and chanted outside Capitol Square on Bank Street.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets. The crowd waved flags and chanted outside Capitol Square on Bank Street.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets. Jon Goble of Indianapolis, says he drove to the rally knowing he might not get into Capitol Square because he thought it was important to send a message to the Virginia legislature.

Vendor Joe Tucker of Columbia, S.C., holds up one of the t-shirts he was selling during a gun-rights rally at the Virginia Capitol Monday, January 20, 2020.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets. Jared Moore of Midllothian, waved a flag and shouted outside Capitol Square.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets. Members of the Silent Brigade outside Capitol Square.

A Lobby Day rally at the State Capitol on Gun Rights drew several thousand participants from multiple states, Monday January 20, 2020. The annual Gun Rights Lobby Day, filled much of Capitol Square and the surrounding streets. Members of the Silent Brigade outside Capitol Square.

Supporters of gun-rights rally at the Virginia Capitol Monday, January 20, 2020.

Supporters (who did not want to give their names) hold signs during the gun-rights rally at the Virginia Capitol Monday, January 20, 2020.

Sen. Amanda Chase speaks to the rally on Capitol Square, January 20, 2020 while Rebublican lawmakers look out over the crowd from the Capitol Steps at rear.

Philip VanCleave opens Rally at the state capitol on Gun Rights Lobby Day, Monday January 20, 2020.

Security for entrance to Capitol grounds.

Rally at the state capitol on Gun Rights Lobby Day, Monday January 20, 2020.

With Republican lawmakers looking on from the Capitol steps, Sen. Amanda Chase speaks at the rally at the state capitol on Gun Rights Lobby Day, Monday January 20, 2020

Rally at the state capitol on Gun Rights Lobby Day, Monday January 20, 2020.

VCDL leader Philip Van Cleave exhorts the crowd and thanks them for a peaceful assembly at the end of the capitol rally on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

Outside the rally, people carried weapons during the rally at the state capitol on Gun Rights Lobby Day, Monday January 20, 2020.

Rally at the state capitol on Gun Rights Lobby Day, Monday January 20, 2020.Rally at the state capitol on Gun Rights Lobby Day, Monday January 20, 2020.

Rally at the state capitol on Gun Rights Lobby Day, Monday January 20, 2020 spilled down 10th street next to the Pocaontas Building

Republican lawmakers,including former House Speaker Kirk Cox (Front, Center) came out on the Capitol steps to observe the rally at the state capitol on Gun Rights Lobby Day, Monday January 20, 2020.

Republican lawmakers,including former House Speaker Kirk Cox (Front, fourth from right) came out on the Capitol steps to observe the rally at the state capitol on Gun Rights Lobby Day, Monday January 20, 2020.Rally at the state capitol on Gun Rights Lobby Day, Monday January 20, 2020.Rally at the state capitol on Gun Rights Lobby Day, Monday January 20, 2020.Rally at the state capitol on Gun Rights Lobby Day, Monday January 20, 2020.

Joe Puszakowski of Pittsburgh waves an American flag during a gun-rights rally at the Virginia Capitol Monday, January 20, 2020. He served in Iraq with the Marines in 2003.

Gun right supporters warm up under sun during a pro-gun rally near the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond, Va. in Richmond on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

People go through security checks upon entering the Pocahontas Building on Lobby Day Monday, January 20, 2020.

Gun right supporters attend a pro-gun rally near the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond, Va. in Richmond on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

"Guns Save Lives," stickers are given away during a pro-gun rally near the State Capitol in Richmond, Va. in Richmond on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

Gun right supporters with assault weapons and military uniforms parade during a pro-gun rally near the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond, Va. in Richmond on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

Gun right supporters show up their assault weapons during a pro-gun rally outside of the Virginia State Capitol ground in Richmond, Va. in Richmond on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

Del. Nick Freitas, R-Culpeper, speaks to participants during a pro-gun rally near the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond, Va. in Richmond on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

Gun right supporters display a flag during a pro-gun rally near the State Capitol in Richmond, Va. in Richmond on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

A gun right supporter holds a sign during a pro-gun rally near the State Capitol in Richmond, Va. in Richmond on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

Gun right supporters wave flags during a pro-gun rally near the State Capitol in Richmond, Va. in Richmond on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

Sen. Amanda Chase, R-Chesterfield, shakes hands with participants during a pro-gun rally near the State Capitol in Richmond, Va. in Richmond on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

Virginia State Police work on security during a pro-gun rally near the State Capitol in Richmond, Va. in Richmond on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

Republican lawmakers step out on the south portico during the gun-rights rally at the Virginia Capitol Monday, January 20, 2020.

Micheal Mumford, of Richmond, was one of the protesters on Monday. “It’s important to let everyone know we’re not a monolith.”

Grayson County sheriff Richard Vaughan traveled from rural western Virginia to show solidarity with gun-rights advocates.

Sen. Joe Morrissey, D-Richmond, and his 4 & 1/2 year old son, Chase, look out the window of the Jefferson Room inside the State Capitol at the crowd at the pro-gun rally on and around Capitol Square in Richmond, VA Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

Part of the crowd at the pro-gun rally on and around Capitol Square in Richmond, VA Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

A number of different flags dotted the crowd at the pro-gun rally on and around Capitol Square in Richmond, VA Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

Culpeper County sheriff Scott Jenkins at the gun-rights rally in Richmond on Monday.

Participants peeling up fallen stickers from pavement in front of Capitol.

The large crowds start to disperse from Capitol Square around 12:30 p.m. Monday as the gun-rights rally winds down.

Scenes from Monday's gun rally in Richmond.

Scenes from Monday's gun rally in Richmond.

Scenes from Monday's gun rally in Richmond.

Scenes from Monday's gun rally in Richmond.

Del. Nick Freitas, R-Culpeper, right, shakes hands with of the crowd at the pro-gun rally as he enters the State Capitol in Richmond, VA Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

Protesters wave a Trump 2020 banner during a gun-right rally in Richmond on Monday.

Trump and MAGA hats are sold at the gun-rights rally in Richmond on Monday.

The view from the Pocahontas Building around 11:30 a.m. on Monday.

Part of the crowd at the pro-gun rally on and around Capitol Square in Richmond, VA Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin, shakes hands with of the crowd at the pro-gun rally as he enters the State Capitol in Richmond, VA Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

State Police watch part of the crowd at the pro-gun rally on and around Capitol Square in Richmond, VA Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

View from Main Street looking toward Capitol Square.

Merch on sale at the gun rally in Richmond.

Merch on sale at the gun rally in Richmond.

Merch on sale at the gun rally in Richmond.

Philip Van Cleave, head of the Virginia Citizens Defense League, speaks during a gun-rights rally in Capitol Square in Richmond on Monday.

Part of the crowd at the pro-gun rally on and around Capitol Square in Richmond, VA Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

Part of the crowd at the pro-gun rally on and around Capitol Square in Richmond, VA Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

Part of the crowd at the pro-gun rally on and around Capitol Square in Richmond, VA Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

Crowd along 9th Street facing Capitol Square on Monday morning.

Crowds along Bank Street and in Capitol Square at 11 a.m. Monday.

Crowds along Bank Street at 11 a.m. Monday.

Crowds along Bank Street at 11 a.m. Monday.

Crowds in Capitol Square at 11 a.m. Monday.

Crowds along Bank Street at 11 a.m. Monday.

Brian Scholten, a 21-year-old Virgina Tech student from Strasburg, Va.

The crowd as seen from Main Street looking north toward Capitol Square.

Madison and Justin Graf drove from Lynchburg with their 2-year-old son and 5-month-old on Monday morning. Here they wait in line to get into Capitol Square. Justin Graf believes pending gun control measures are a step toward taking away firearms, which would take away control of government from the people.

“Four more years” chant breaks out after this vets for Trump flag comes out.

At the intersection of 7th and Franklin, this truck just stopped to let a small band of armed protesters cross the street.

Ed LeMond, a gun-rights supporter who drove 600 miles to Richmond from Jasper, Ind., wears his heart on his head. "I’m here to support the Second Amendment. If they take this, they’ll be taking the First Amendment and everything else."

Miranda Smith holds a sign inside Capitol Square during a gun-rights protest on Monday.

Crowds chant “We will not comply” and “Northam’s gotta go” outside of Capitol Square on Monday morning.

The view of the Virginia General Assembly as seen from Bank Street outside of Capitol Square on Monday.

Crowd inside Capitol Square as seen from Bank Street at about 9:55 a.m. Monday.

Crowd inside Capitol Square at 9:55 a.m. on Monday. 

A protester waves the flag of Virginia at a gun-rights rally at Capitol Square in Richmond on Monday.

Inside Capitol Square around 9:30 a.m. Monday morning before the gun-rights rally in Richmond.

People continue to file into Capitol Square around 9:30 a.m. on Monday.

Couple from the Northern Neck made this sign. Wife, Pam, has been carrying around a pocket Constitution lately for gun debates.

Gun-rights protesters sign petitions on Monday morning near Capitol Square in Richmond.

Protesters march with flags near Capitol Square on Monday morning.

The crowd of the gun rally as scene on Franklin Street facing 9th Street.

Dozens of people with “guns save lives” stickers walking through Carver toward downtown. 

The intersection of Main and 9th streets on Monday morning around 9:15 a.m.

Protesters march with flags up 8th Street.

Protesters march with flags up 8th Street.

A State Police officer stands guard outside the State Capitol in Richmond, VA Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

Ron Toney from Powhatan isw screened by a Capitol Police Officer at the entrance to the State Capitol in Richmond, VA Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

The sun rises over metal detectors screeining anyone seeking entrance to the State Capitol in Richmond, VA Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

The sun rises over metal detectors screeining anyone seeking entrance to the State Capitol in Richmond, VA Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

A demonstrator on 9th St. near the entrance to the State Capitol in Richmond, VA Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

Demonstrators gather on 9th St. near the entrance to the State Capitol in Richmond, VA Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

Demonstrators gather in front of St. Paul's Church on 9th St. near the entrance to the State Capitol in Richmond, VA Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

Demonstrators gather on 9th St. near the entrance to the State Capitol in Richmond, VA Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

Demonstrators gather on 9th St. near the entrance to the State Capitol in Richmond, VA Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

Demonstrators gather on 9th Street nearthe entrance to the State Capitol in Richmond, VA Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

Demonstrators gather in front of St. Paul's Church at the corner of E. Grace and 9th Streets across from the entrance to the State Capitol in Richmond, VA Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

Philip Van Cleave, head of the Virginia Citizens Defense League, organizers of the pro-gun rally, stands on Bank St. as crowds gather near the entrance to the State Capitol in Richmond, VA Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.

Inside Capitol Square looking toward Bank Street around 9 a.m. on Monday.

Tammy Lampman, left, of Prince George County, and Amy Amos, of Dinwiddie County, outside Capitol Square in Richmond on Monday morning. 

Austin Woods, of Charlottesville, holds an effigy and sign at the gun rights rally at Capitol Square in Richmond.

We asked Smiles Welch about his MLK sign. He said there’s a link between the Second Amendment and Civil Rights movements.

Lobbying in the Pocahontas building is busy, but not overwhelming on Monday morning. Groups, almost all wearing "Guns save lives" stickers, are waiting in lines outside of legislators' offices for a chance to sit down with them for a few minutes.

People in camo and carrying assault-style rifles in the crowd outside Capitol Square on Monday morning.

Bank Street as seen from Capitol Square around 8:45 a.m. Monday morning.

The line for Virginia Citizens Defense League shuttles to the state house wrapped around The Diamond parking for several hours Monday morning as protesters waited for rides downtown.

People waiting outside the Pocahontas Building near Capitol Square on Monday morning. 

View from building at 9th and Main streets of the gun-right rally in Richmond around 8:30 a.m. on Monday.

The scene at 9th and Bank streets on Monday morning. 

The line to get into Capitol Square on Monday morning. 

The crowd as seen from 9th Street looking west down Franklin Street on Monday morning.

Inside Capitol Square in Richmond around 8 a.m. Monday morning.

Inside Capitol Square in Richmond around 8 a.m. Monday morning.

Inside Capitol Square in Richmond around 8 a.m. Monday morning.

The scene along Bank Street outside of Capitol Square around 8 a.m. on Monday morning.

The line to get into the Pocahontas Building near Capitol Square at 7:50 a.m. on Monday.

Inside Capitol Square around 7:45 a.m. on Monday.

A sign taped to security fencing near Capitol Square on Monday morning. 

View toward Capitol Square from 9th and Main streets.

Protesters on the streets outside Capitol Square in Richmond on Monday.

Capitol Square around 4:30 a.m. Monday.

Woman selling Tshirts along 9th street outside Capitol Square in Richmond on Monday morning.

An RV covered in pro-Trump posters arrives at Capitol Square around 6:30 a.m. Monday.

Protester outside Capitol Square on Monday morning.

Franklin and Grace street early Monday.

Randy (left) and Monte arrived from Alexandria last night to protest.

People gather at 9th and Grace street around 7:10 a.m. Monday.

Two men (no names given) with rifles and handguns stood at the corner of E. Grace and 9th Streets across from the entrance to the State Capitol in Richmond, VA around 6:30 am Monday, Jan. 20, 2020. They said they would remain outside the Capitol grounds where weapons are prohibited.

Line outside Capitol Square at 6:40 a.m. Monday

Heavy police presence on Bank Street.