RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia state lawmakers met under heightened security Monday amid concerns about possible civil unrest in state capitals in the days leading up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. Several gun-rights advocates came to Richmond on Monday, some of them heavily armed.

The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday is typically a chance for citizens to use a day off work to meet with their legislators. Gun-rights activists typically make a large, organized appearance each year.

This year they organized a series of caravans through the city decked out in pro-gun messages. Gun laws have gotten much less attention this year and Democratic leaders have not prioritized gun legislation.

Lobby Day in Richmond
Truck with “Don’t tread on me” flags waits at red light on West Broad Street on Lobby Day in Richmond. (Photo: 8News Content Producer Emma North)
The group had peaceful demonstrations near the Science Museum where the Virginia General Assembly convened. While there was sporadic activity in the early afternoon, the amount of people who came nothing like what the city has seen in years past. (Photo: Digital MMJ Olivia Jaquith)
A trailer decorated for the Virginia Citizens Defense League’s Lobby Day caravan. (Photo: Digital MMJ Olivia Jaquith)
Small crowds of Virginia Citizens Defense League activists, media and a heavy police presence. Some activists we spoke to say the amount of security today protecting the Capitol is “overboard.” (Photo: Sabrina Shutters)
Small crowds of Virginia Citizens Defense League activists, media and a heavy police presence. Some activists we spoke to say the amount of security today protecting the Capitol is “overboard.” (Photo: Sabrina Shutters)
Caravan
Caravan heading toward West Broad Street on Lobby Day in Richmond, Virginia on January 18, 2021. (Photo: Digital MMJ Olivia Jaquith)
VDOT trucks at Lobby Day
VDOT trucks blocking roads downtown as Lobby Day is underway. (Photo: 8News Reporter Delaney Hall)
Lobby Day in Richmond
Roads around Capitol Square grounds blocked off as Richmond anticipates possible demonstrations on Lobby Day. (Photo: 8News Reporter Delaney Hall)
Richmond Police at Lobby Day
Richmond Police officers monitoring the area Monday morning on Lobby Day. (Photo: 8News Reporter Delaney Hall)
VDOT trucks blocking roads
VDOT trucks block roads downtown to keep people out of Capitol Square on Lobby Day. (Photo: 8News Reporter Delaney Hall)
Police blocking off roads
Local authorities are on high alert on Lobby Day due to possible threats. (Photo: 8News Reporter Delaney Hall)
police patrol at lobby day
Richmond police patrol at Lobby Day downtown on Monday, January 18, 2021. (Photo: 8News Photographer Howie Williams)
Lobby Day in Virginia
Authorities put up barriers around Capitol Square to prevent people from gathering inside. (Photo: 8News Reporter Autumn Childress)
Lobby Day in Virginia
Signs reminding people that firearms are banned in Richmond went up last week ahead of Lobby Day. (Photo: 8News Reporter Autumn Childress)
Lobby-Day
Police increase downtown as Lobby Day is underway in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo: 8News Reporter Delaney Hall)
  • Chopper 10 flew over Lobby Day events in Richmond on Jan. 18, 2021.
  • Chopper 10 flew over Lobby Day events in Richmond on Jan. 18, 2021.
  • Chopper 10 flew over Lobby Day events in Richmond on Jan. 18, 2021.
  • Chopper 10 flew over Lobby Day events in Richmond on Jan. 18, 2021.
  • Chopper 10 flew over Lobby Day events in Richmond on Jan. 18, 2021.
  • Chopper 10 flew over Lobby Day events in Richmond on Jan. 18, 2021.
  • Chopper 10 flew over Lobby Day events in Richmond on Jan. 18, 2021.
  • Chopper 10 flew over Lobby Day events in Richmond on Jan. 18, 2021.
  • Chopper 10 flew over Lobby Day events in Richmond on Jan. 18, 2021.
  • Chopper 10 flew over Lobby Day events in Richmond on Jan. 18, 2021.