Washington, D.C. officials are restricting the constitutional rights of some Americans planning to gather in the nation’s capitol this week in support of President Donald Trump.
According to a notice by the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department anyone with a valid D.C. concealed carry license who plans to exercise their First Amendment right to peacefully protest at planned events this week will not be allowed to bring their firearms within 1,000 feet of the rally.
The ban on firearms in the vicinity is in effect beginning Monday and runs through Thursday, January 7, one day after Congress is set to meet to certify the presidential election results.
D.C. officials are reportedly preparing the area for the incoming rallies, with the National Park Service having received permit applications from Women for America First to meet at Freedom Plaza, the Rally for Revival at the Washington Monument and the Silent Majority along the National Mall, according to Fox 5 in Washington.
(Source: FOX 5)
Thousands of Trump supporters are planning to gather in downtown Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, voicing their opposition to lawmakers set to accept the Electoral College vote and hand Democrat Joe Biden the presidential victory.
The president has promised that “I will be there,” calling it a “historic day.”
I will be there. Historic day! https://t.co/k6LStsWpfy
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2021
Photos have been shared on Twitter of the notices that have reportedly been posted near where rallies are set to take place.
Starting tomorrow all firearms will be prohibited in #DC ahead of #January6 @fox5dc pic.twitter.com/HLKY48WM3P
— Jesse Burkett-Hall (@BurkettHall) January 3, 2021
Signs have been posted around Freedom Plaza, where rallies are scheduled to be held, reminding visitors all firearms are prohibited within 1000 feet. Under federal law it is illegal to carry guns on US Capitol grounds and on National Park Service areas such as the National Mall pic.twitter.com/UHAjgaIeSb
— Kolbie Satterfield (@KolbieReports) January 3, 2021
D.C. code already holds that federal property, such as the National Mall and nearby monuments, are gun-free zones. All open carrying of firearms is also already prohibited.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser reminded on Twitter that “District law prohibits anyone from carrying a firearm within 1,000 feet of any First Amendment activity.”
A first Amendment activity suspends the Second Amendment? How does that work?
— Dr. President-Elect First Amendment Mike (@1AmendmentMike) January 3, 2021
“I am asking Washingtonians and those who live in the region to stay out of the downtown area on Tuesday and Wednesday and not to engage with demonstrators who come to our city seeking confrontation, and we will do what we must to ensure all who attend remain peaceful,” the Democrat mayor tweeted.
I am asking Washingtonians and those who live in the region to stay out of the downtown area on Tuesday and Wednesday and not to engage with demonstrators who come to our city seeking confrontation, and we will do what we must to ensure all who attend remain peaceful.
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) January 3, 2021
“While MPD does not discuss operational tactics, as with any known, large demonstration, we will continue to monitor and assess each activity, and plan accordingly with our local and federal law enforcement partners,” the Metropolitan Police Department said in a statement.
In a statement, the United States Capitol Police told WUSA9 that while “we do not discuss the means, methods, or specific resources used to carry out our protective responsibilities,” they have “comprehensive security plans in place and we continuously monitor and assess new and emerging threats, with the overall goal of keeping those within the Capitol Complex safe and secure.”
The reports of the gun ban in D.C. set off Twitter reactions criticizing the temporary restriction and the double standard by the District’s Democrat leadership.
I could not agree with you more, @MayorBowser but I find it ironic that you finally take a stance when it’s pro-trump demonstrators, but you were no where to be heard when violent protests burned our city this past year in the name of social justice.
— Travis Shirkman (@t_shirkman) January 3, 2021
Keep in mind… y’all didn’t have to board your windows and stores because of us! Just an FYI
— 💙Christi Ann Nicole💙 (@Christi94761460) January 4, 2021
Is this the start of the Biden government trying to disarm honest citizens???
— The Boldest (@GlennBold1) January 4, 2021
This is asking for trouble. Do you think lawless citizens are going to give their guns up when they outnumber police by the thousands. I would imagine there will be lots and lots of firearms present
— commonsensepolitcs (@comcentspolitic) January 3, 2021
DC can kick rocks.
— Ryan Holiday (@tothepromised1) January 3, 2021
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Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida where she has been writing for the BizPacReview team since 2015.
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