Gun rights supporters held a rally at the state Capitol on Friday to protest calls out of Washington for new gun restrictions.
About 250 supporters – many carrying pistols and rifles -- were out along Washington Street to show that the majority of gun owners are law abiding citizens.
"The purpose is just to show that legal gun owners are not the problem in this country, and to allow people to legally own guns is not going to hurt anything," said Michelle McDonald, a rally participant.
Most of the talk among those attending the rally was the recent debate for federal restrictions on certain firearms.
Earlier this week, President Barack Obama made his case for stronger gun laws, including a ban on new assault weapons, limits on high-capacity gun clips and an expansion of criminal background checks to cover more gun sales.
"The vast majority of Americans, including a majority of gun owners, support requiring criminal background checks for anyone trying to buy a gun," President Obama said.
But gun rights activists say more extensive background checks would be intrusive and do little to stop criminals from obtaining guns.
While most of the talk at the rally focused on potential federal gun restrictions, some state Capitol lawmakers have called for an expansion of gun rights. GOP leaders have been reluctant so far to wade into the gun debate.
A smaller counter-protest was staged across the street by gun restriction supporters.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:48 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:48:00 GMT
Local families are taking a serious look at storm shelters in the aftermath of Monday's deadly tornado in Oklahoma.
Local families are taking a serious look at storm shelters in the aftermath of Monday's deadly tornado in Oklahoma. Those shelters could mean the difference between life and death when faced with one of these powerful storms.
A federal court has struck down Fayette County's at-large method of electing members to certain county offices, saying the method was a violation of the Voting Rights Act.
A federal court has struck down Fayette County's at-large method of electing members to certain county offices, saying the method was a violation of the Voting Rights Act.
Two Clark Atlanta University students who call themselves brothers despite being from opposite sides of the world have graduated as valedictorian and salutatorian.
Two Clark Atlanta University students who call themselves brothers despite being from opposite sides of the world have graduated as valedictorian and salutatorian.
