Washington D.C. Bans Guns, Calls Up National Guard Ahead Of Pro-Trump Election Protests
On Sunday, the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department posted notices prohibiting firearms in the downtown district ahead of the pro-Trump protest beginning on Wednesday, according to Fox 5.
The notice states that a firearms ban went into effect on Monday and will last through Thursday. "All firearms prohibited within 1000 feet of this sign," read one of the notices posted near Freedom Plaza.
Starting tomorrow all firearms will be prohibited in #DC ahead of #January6 @fox5dc pic.twitter.com/HLKY48WM3P
— Jesse Burkett-Hall (@BurkettHall) January 3, 2021
Also, on Sunday, Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser released a statement about the upcoming First Amendment demonstrations, permitted by the National Park Service, scheduled for Jan. 5 and Jan. 6.
"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.
"Additionally, members of the public are reminded that the District of Columbia does not have reciprocity with other states' concealed pistol licenses; unless a person has been issued a concealed pistol license by the District of Columbia, they cannot conceal carry a firearm in the city. Finally, it is illegal to open carry firearms in the District," the release stated.
Pro-Trump supporters attending the rally are demanding Congress overturn the election results on Jan. 6, which is when lawmakers certify electoral college votes, confirming President-elect Joe Biden's win.
A handful of Republican senators led by Sen. Ted Cruz are now planning to reject the Electoral College's certification tomorrow unless there is an emergency audit.
On Saturday, President Trump tweeted a promotional video, hyping up his base to attend the "biggest event in Washington D.C. history."
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2021
Ahead of the protests, the chairman of the Proud Boys - a Latin man by the name of Enrique Tarrio - was arrested by Metropolitan Police last week on suspicion of burning a Black Lives Matter banner torn from a historic Black church in Washington during protests last month that led to several violent clashes, including stabbings, around the city.
On Parler, Tarrio posted a message that read: "ProudBoys will turn out in record numbers on Jan. 6 but this time with a twist."
Bowser has also activated the National Guard ahead of the demonstration as the threat of violence with opposition protesters could materialize.
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