GUN RIGHTS

ROANOKE, Va. – Gun ownership and diabetes are two dramatically different topics, but people in both groups experienced a significant law change when the book closed on 2020. Starting on New Year’s Day, online concealed carry classes are no longer allowed in Virginia. Additionally, the price of insulin is now capped at $50 for a month-long supply. “We really want gun owners to take the initiative to learn about firearm safety,” Tyler said. “A woman I know was jeopardizing her own health and not taking her insulin so that she could get her grandson’s asthma medicine,” Southard said.

RICHMOND, Va. – On Wednesday, the Virginia Senate passed the controversial red flag gun law bill. ORIGINAL STORYOne day after more than 20,000 gun rights supporters staged a spirited demonstration outside the Capitol, a passionate debate in the Virginia General Assembly ended with a gun control proposal advancing. Changes passed on a vote along party lines for a Democrat-supported bill that would institute a red flag law, which would let law enforcement officers take guns from people believed to be a danger to themselves or others. Democrats are pleased that the red flag bill, also called extreme risk protective orders, is moving forward. “The red flag bill is one of the worst bills I’ve ever seen come through this chamber,” said Sen. Bill Stanley, a Republican representing Franklin County.

RICHMOND, Va. – Thousand were in Richmond for Monday’s pro-gun rally on Lobby Day. There were issues with the live feed signal when it was broadcasting, causing some choppiness in this video.

Copyright 2020 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. RICHMOND, Va. – Get a bird’s eye view of Richmond’s Capitol Square as thousands pack the area for Monday’s pro-gun rally. If you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1554.

WYTHEVILLE, Va. – Southwest Virginia became the site of a sizable Second Amendment rally on Sunday, one day before tens of thousands of gun rights supporters are expected to rally at the State Capitol in Richmond. “Since we’re getting stepped on, we’re stepping back," said rally organizer Linda Meyer. "We want Richmond to know we’re alive and we’re well.”Hundreds of Second Amendment supporters, many of whom sported the Virginia Citizens Defense League’s “Guns Save Lives” sticker, gathered in the parking lot of the Rural King in Wytheville. The group united in support of their right to bear arms, while also encouraging the “Lobby Day” protesters who will travel to Richmond on Monday. “I hope today, and tomorrow in Richmond, we create a shout that is heard around the world.”“The First Amendment takes care of the Second Amendment," said Mike Hamm, who traveled from Galax to attend the rally in Wytheville.

FLOYD COUNTY, Va. – A sizable group of gun owners gathered in a Floyd County park Saturday afternoon, in defense of the Second Amendment. The group Concerned Citizens of Floyd organized a militia muster call, in search of men who could serve in a “well-regulated militia” if one is needed in Floyd County. “The main thing we’re here for is freedom to do what we want to do and be left alone," said George, a Floyd County resident who did not disclose his last name. “Governor Northam kicked a hornet’s nest,” said Steven, who came to the militia muster call with George and also refused to disclose his last name. Dimmel said the turnout shows Second Amendment supporters in Floyd County have become politically energized.

ROANOKE, Va. – Tensions are looming ahead of a massive pro-gun rally in Richmond on Monday, sparking fear in gun control and gun rights advocates alike. “I am afraid that something bad is going to happen,” said Charlie Nave, the chairman of the Roanoke City Republican Committee. “If you’re going, you’re associated.”Roanoke City Republican Chairman Charlie Nave disagreed. Northam’s ban on weapons on Capitol grounds has caused hysteria and gun rights supporters are respectful, law-abiding citizens. "And that’s not what I want.”“I’ve been encouraging everyone I know that’s going, to be on guard, to be careful, and to not be provoked," Nave said.

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia's highest court on Friday upheld a ban on firearms at an upcoming pro-gun rally in the state's capital, an event that authorities feared could erupt in violence at the hands of armed extremists. Gun-rights groups argued the ban would violate their Second Amendment right to bear arms and their First Amendment freedom of speech. Philip Van Cleave, president of the Virginia Citizens Defense League — the group sponsoring the rally — called the first ruling “mind-boggling." Herring argued Northam's order would help prevent the kind of violence that erupted at a 2017 white nationalist rally in the city of Charlottesville. Because of the threat of possible violence, organizers of an annual vigil for victims of gun violence — usually held on the King holiday each year — said Friday that they have canceled their event this year.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – SafeSide Tactical staff are busy preparing for Monday morning. According to SafeSide co-owner Mitchell Tyler, there will be six buses in all, with about 400 people heading for Richmond from their Roanoke and Lynchburg locations. “We’re just excited for our customers and our staff to be able to go and talk to our politicians. “The biggest threat that gun owners are to Richmond is at the ballot box in two years. SafeSide buses will leave the Hill City at 5 a.m. and in Roanoke, people will leave at 4:15 in the morning.

ROANOKE, Va. – President Donald Trump addressed the ongoing gun rights debate in Virginia. On Friday afternoon, the president tweeted the following:Your 2nd Amendment is under very serious attack in the Great Commonwealth of Virginia. Republicans will win Virginia in 2020. @realDonaldTrumpYour 2nd Amendment is under very serious attack in the Great Commonwealth of Virginia. Republicans will win Virginia in 2020.

1A/B/C (Southbound): from Broad St., buses turn right on 5th St., left on Cary St., right on 14th St. and resume regular routing. 1A/B/C (Northbound): from 14th St., buses turn left on Broad St., right on 11th St., left on Leigh St. and resume regular routing. 2A/B/C (Southbound): from Broad St., buses turn right on 5th St., left on Cary St., right on 8th St. and resume regular routing. 12 (Eastbound): from Marshall St., buses turn left on 7th St., right on Jackson St., right on 8th St., left on Leigh St. and serve Bay M on Leigh St. at the Temporary Transfer Plaza. 14 (Westbound): from Main St., buses turn left on 14th St., right on Canal St., right on 4th St. and resume regular routing.

RICHMOND, VA – A gun-rights group has filed an emergency appeal of a judge's ruling upholding the Virginia governor's ban on firearms at a pro-gun rally that's expected to draw thousands of gun activists to the state Capitol on Monday. The Virginia Citizens Defense League and Gun Owners of America sought an injunction against the ban, but Judge Joi Taylor ruled Thursday that Gov. “Without relief from this court, petitioners and thousands of other rally participants will be irreparably denied their right to bear arms,” the groups' attorneys argue in their appeal. Because of that, she wrote, the gun-rights groups would not "suffer an irreparable harm" sufficient to justify the injunction. Philip Van Cleave, president of the Virginia Citizens Defense League — the gun-rights group sponsoring Monday's rally — called the judge's ruling “mind-boggling."

LYNCHBURG, Va. – After hours of debate, Lynchburg is now one of the few localities to not be a Second Amendment sanctuary city. In a public hearing Tuesday night that went into Wednesday morning, more than 120 people had time to talk to city council members about the issue. Council members voted 5 to 2 to not become a Second Amendment sanctuary. This is not going to happen again,” said Curt Diemer, an organizer of Lynchburg’s Second Amendment sanctuary group. 10 News reached out to some council members for comment about the meeting.