Virginia Declares State of Emergency After Armed Militias Threaten to Storm the Capitol

The governor said law enforcement had intercepted “extremist rhetoric” similar to the lead-up to Charlottesville days before pro-gun activists are holding a rally.

In response to what he described as “credible intelligence” of threats of violence at an upcoming gun rights rally in Richmond, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has declared a state of emergency and will temporarily ban individuals from carrying firearms on Capitol grounds.

The governor said at a press conference Wednesday that authorities believe “armed militia groups plan to storm the Capitol” during the January 20 rally.

He also said that law enforcement had intercepted threats and “extremist rhetoric” similar to what was observed prior to the violent Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville in August 2017. “We will not allow that mayhem and violence to happen here,” he said.

The decision to ban all weapons, including firearms, won’t sit well with the thousands of gun lovers who are expected to descend on Richmond to participate in what was billed as an open-carry affair and an opportunity to flex Second Amendment rights.

House Republicans unveil national memorial plan honoring Americans killed by illegal immigrants

House Democrat pushes Senate to reverse Trump federal union order after GOP revolt by 20 Republicans

‘Every Dollar Possible’: Trump Admin Cracks Down on States That Put Illegal Drivers on the Road

Luigi Mangione judge weighs ‘potentially fatal’ evidence in fight over search of suspect’s backpack: attorney

Wounded National Guardsman is making ‘extraordinary progress,’ can breathe on his own: doctor

Former Teacher of the Year Arrested on Cruelty to Children Charges

SEE IT: Feeding Our Future fraudsters bought mansions and Mercedes with $250M in stolen meal funds

Progressive powerhouses launch primary war against Democratic establishment ahead of 2026 elections

Good News for Charlie Kirk’s Family: Legal Expert Says Evidence Against Robinson Is ‘Strongest’ He’s Ever Seen

38-Year-Old Able-Bodied Man Irate After Losing Food Stamps Under Trump

After Australia passes social media ban lawmakers probed on why Congress hasn’t done more to protect kids

DHS to focus on arresting illegal immigrants with serious offenses amid negative polling on ICE raids: report

Justice Department sues Fulton County to obtain records related to 2020 election

Georgia woman hospitalized after attacker hurls corrosive chemical during evening walk

EXCLUSIVE: Inside Trump’s private schedule as media fixates on his health

“No weapons will be allowed on Capitol grounds,” said Northam, a Democrat. “Everything from sticks and bats to chains and projectiles…. The list also includes firearms. It makes no sense to ban every other weapon but allow firearms when intelligence shows that armed militia groups plan to storm the Capitol.”

On the Facebook page for the rally, several attendees are already saying they won’t comply and leave their weapons at home — even though Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney has vowed a hard line on rule-breakers. “Violations of the law will not be tolerated,” Stoney said.

The January 20 event, dubbed “Lobby Day,” was organized by the Virginia Citizens Defense League, a pro-Second Amendment nonprofit, in response to new gun control legislation introduced by the Democrat state Legislature. Northam acknowledged that the organizers had been planning the rally for some time. “I believe them when they say this is a peaceful event — that’s what democracy is,” said Northam. “Unfortunately, they have unleashed something much larger, something they may not be able to control.”

Upwards of 5,000 people said on the Facebook page that they plan to attend. Event organizers have warned the state that as many as 100,000 could show up.

A website for the rally shows that at least 60 buses are scheduled to transport attendees into Richmond on Monday. And there’s word that carpools are being organized. What’s more, armed militia groups are also planning to attend, and some have even described the event as a “boogaloo” — a term that the far right uses to describe a second civil war.