Good morning, all. It’s Monday. There are 48 days until adjournment. This thread will have coverage from today’s gun rights rally, which is expected to draw thousands. Things are pretty quiet down here now. 
Reminder: The Virginia Senate has already approved part of Gov. Ralph Northam’s gun control package. Already passed: one-handgun-a-month; universal background checks; local authority. richmond.com/news/virginia/… via @RTDNEWS
No gun bills are up for a vote today. The Senate could debate Sen. George Barker’s proposed “red flag” law. lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp60…
Seen inside The Commonwealth:
Also: Subcommittees and committees are still meeting this morning. First on the docket: the @VVforDelegate-chaired SOL subcommittee. lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp60…
Hopewell City Council candidate Brandon Howard is here, advertising another gun giveaway and giving folks coffee. His campaign gave away an AR-15 at its Dec. 1 kickoff. brandonwhoward.com/index.html
Activity has started to pick up a little bit with the Pocahontas Building nearing its 6 a.m. opening. Still pretty quiet.
Couple is from Winchester. They normally don’t attend VCDL’s lobby day, but are concerned about the proposed gun control measures. Specifically the assault weapons ban. Said they’re worried it would lead to confiscation.
Just arrived:
There’s a medical emergency in line to get into Capitol Square.
As that is happening, this sign was just held up:
Ambulance is here. Man is stable.
The line to get in stretches until just before the Bell Tower.
Video of buses arriving:
Newport News woman:
Here’s what things look like inside the gated area.
After reciting the Second Amendment, protesters just recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
“Northam out” chant just broke out.
Shawn Bixler traveled from Florida to be here. Called the gun control proposals “an act of treason.”
Bank Street:
Spotted: Half-Confederate, half-U.S. flag.
Cell service is spotty right now. Chesterfield man:
Couple from the Northern Neck made this sign. Wife, Pam, has been carrying around a pocket Constitution lately for gun debates.
People are still filing in.
Current scene inside.
Just a few steps away.
Sign: “The American Revolution began for less”
Buckingham County man:
People are enjoying Miranda Smith’s sign.
“Gun control is Jim Crow”
Everything is bigger in Texas, except flags. Trump wins that one.
“Four more years” chant breaks out after this vets for Trump flag comes out.
Crowd just sang the national anthem and chanted “USA.” Things are pretty peaceful.
This just happened. First counter protest I’ve seen. They’re leaving now.
This just happened. First counter protest I’ve seen. They’re leaving now.
A different video of same situation (same caption because I wasn’t sure which video would upload first)
The actual rally has started. Sen. Amanda Chase has already spoken. Del. Nick Freitas up now. Expect sporadic tweets.
The lobby day has ended. Most people leaving the grounds. Others mingling.
I'm now inside the Capitol, watching the Senate. The proposed "red flag" law has again been passed by for the day. leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp50…
Senate just adjourned.
No arrests:
Estimated attendance, per Capitol Police: 22,000. For context: The largest NBA arena is Chicago's United Center. That seats 20,917.
Some words from Senate Republicans on today's rally:
House Minority Leader Todd Gilbert:
One arrest:
Northam on today:
Stoney on today:
