Signs posted ahead of a planned Washington rally in support of President Donald Trump stated, “All firearms prohibited within 1000 feet of this sign.” The effective dates are January 4-7, 2021. Apparently the Second Amendment does not apply in the District of Columbia, especially for anyone visiting to support President Trump.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police Department reported, “Members of the public and anyone attending the events are reminded that District law prohibits anyone from carrying a firearm within 1,000 feet of any First Amendment activity. Under federal law, it is illegal to possess firearms on the U.S. Capitol grounds and on National Park Service areas, such as Freedom Plaza, the Ellipse, and the National Mall.”
Posted just two days ahead of the upcoming March for Trump rally, the event expects thousands of Americans in attendance. Several key Trump allies are scheduled to appear, including recently-pardoned Roger Stone and various members of Congress.
Even President Trump tweeted, “I will be there. Historic day!”
In addition to prohibiting firearms, Washington mobilized the National Guard to assist police with the expected crowds at the March for Trump rally. According to The Guardian, 300 local National Guard troops were scheduled to participate. Concern for the event surpassed the early response to BLM protests or progressive events in DC, leading patriotic Americans to question Washington’s view of the event.
In an Associated Press report, Metropolitan Police Department acting chief Robert Contee announced, “There are people intent on coming to our city armed.” While Contee’s statement may be true, being armed is not equal to an intent to harm others. Unfortunately, Contee’s view reveals the faulty logic that carrying a firearm is equal to planning to illegally use a firearm.
According to DC’s safety precautions, anyone carried a gun within 1,000 feet of the event was to be arrested. The plan seemed to serve as a setup to announce on mainstream media that, “Trump rally attendees arrested with firearms.” Despite President Trump’s support of the Second Amendment, his supporters were forced to leave their Second Amendment rights (and firearms) at home.
While safety remains a key concern at political events, restricting Second Amendment rights while surrounding protestors with law enforcement and military personnel moves far beyond Constitutional rights. Fortunately, not all lawmakers share the perspective of Washington’s mayor.
For example, newly-elected Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (R-Colorado) has stated she intends to carry her handgun in Congress. In a January 4th tweet, she wrote, “Let me tell you why I WILL carry my Glock to Congress. Government does NOT get to tell me or my constituents how we are allowed to keep our families safe. I promise to always stand strong for our 2nd Amendment rights. https://t.co/E75tYpdN4B pic.twitter.com/qg7QGenrNo.”
The Second Amendment remains the law, but it is under attack. This is especially true of anyone showing support for President Trump. Americans must stand for their Constitutional rights—or they soon will have none at all.
Featured Image from @BurkettHall on Twitter
