Fearing potential violence, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is declaring a state of emergency and banning firearms and other weapons on the capitol grounds in Richmond ahead of a gun-rights demonstration planned for next week.

H/T: NPR.org

“We have received credible intelligence from our law enforcement agencies that there are groups with malicious plans for the rally that is planned for Monday,” Northam said during the afternoon press conference.

Watch the press conference announcing a temporary emergency banning all weapons, including guns, from Capitol Square ahead of Monday's massive gun right rally.

The state of emergency for Richmond is in effect from Friday through Tuesday.

According to the Executive Order, “available information suggests that a substantial number of these demonstrators are expected to come from outside the Commonwealth, may be armed, and have as their purpose not peaceful assembly but violence, rioting, and insurrection.”

The Virginia House Republican Leadership has released the following statement in response:

Statement of House Republican Leadership on Governor Northam's State of Emergency pic.twitter.com/KHeTCoX1TM — VA House GOP (@vahousegop) January 15, 2020

Governor Northam Declares State of Emergency in Advance of Capitol Square Demonstration https://t.co/GO5b4Ql5aH — DeepClips (@DeepClips) January 15, 2020

What?! The Second Amendment is FOR states of emergency! https://t.co/XSEB1fQDbY — John Velleco (@Velleco) January 15, 2020

After @GovernorVA's press conference, Phil Van Cleave of the VCDL tells me attorneys are looking at the governor's declaration and may file suit challenging his gun ban in Capitol Square during Lobby Day. https://t.co/iAHveMlvlL — Cam Edwards (@CamEdwards) January 15, 2020

BREAKING: Virginia Governor Ralph Northam is announcing a temporary emergency -- banning all weapons, including guns, from Capitol Square ahead of Monday's massive gun rights rally; Northam says he fears Charlottesville-style violence - WTVR — Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 15, 2020