Gun rights supporters held a rally at the state Capitol on Friday to protest calls out of Washington for new gun restrictions.
About 250 supporters – many carrying pistols and rifles -- were out along Washington Street to show that the majority of gun owners are law abiding citizens.
"The purpose is just to show that legal gun owners are not the problem in this country, and to allow people to legally own guns is not going to hurt anything," said Michelle McDonald, a rally participant.
Most of the talk among those attending the rally was the recent debate for federal restrictions on certain firearms.
Earlier this week, President Barack Obama made his case for stronger gun laws, including a ban on new assault weapons, limits on high-capacity gun clips and an expansion of criminal background checks to cover more gun sales.
"The vast majority of Americans, including a majority of gun owners, support requiring criminal background checks for anyone trying to buy a gun," President Obama said.
But gun rights activists say more extensive background checks would be intrusive and do little to stop criminals from obtaining guns.
While most of the talk at the rally focused on potential federal gun restrictions, some state Capitol lawmakers have called for an expansion of gun rights. GOP leaders have been reluctant so far to wade into the gun debate.
A smaller counter-protest was staged across the street by gun restriction supporters.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:56 AM EDT2013-05-23 04:56:30 GMT
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:55:59 GMT
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home.
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home. Just one day later, some of her family members were in Oklahoma near where the tornado hit.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:50 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:50:14 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:42 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:42:27 GMT
What do major hotel chains, the IRS, and the business partner of a top rapper have in common? Court records show the National Conference of Black Mayors owes all of them money. Big money.
What do major hotel chains, the IRS, and the business partner of a top rapper have in common? Court records show the National Conference of Black Mayors owes all of them money. Big money.
