Tensions flared as activists carried semi-automatic weapons through the streets of Virginia’s capital city during a major gun rights demonstration, calling for a repeal of newly-passed gun control measures – and four more years of Donald Trump.

The annual Lobby Day event attracts Virginians from all over the state, who spend the day “lobbying” for a range of causes just outside of the legislative capitol building, bringing colourful signs and a tangible energy that fill the streets of Richmond.

This year saw its biggest turnout of gun rights demonstrators in recent history, after Democrats – who took over both houses in the state legislature for the first time in nearly 25 years – successfully passed a series of bills establishing mandatory background checks and limiting the purchasing and carrying of firearms. Rather than a joyful day of activism, many feared the event would turn into a possible second Charlottesville, the deadly white supremacist rally in 2017. There have been no reports of a violent clash at Monday’s rally, however.

Still, protesters appeared ready for a battle, chanting “We will not comply!” and chiding Virginia governor Ralph Northam after he declared a state of emergency over the Lobby Day rallies, citing “credible intelligence from our law enforcement agencies of threats of violence surrounding the demonstration” in a statement. Militia members were seen wearing masks and carrying semi-automatic rifles during the protest.

The Virginia Citizens Defence League (VCDL), which organised the gun rights demonstrations, blamed the governor for the heightened anxiety ahead of the rally in an interview with The Independent.

Gun rights rally in Virginia Show all 32 1 /32 Gun rights rally in Virginia Gun rights rally in Virginia Gun rights advocates and militia members attend a rally organised by The Virginia Citizens Defense League on Capitol Square near the state capitol building in Richmond Reuters Gun rights rally in Virginia During elections last year, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam promised to enact sweeping gun control laws in 2020, including limiting handgun purchase to one per month, banning military-style weapons and silencers, allowing localities to ban guns in public spaces and enacting a 'red flag' law so authorities can temporarily seize weapons from someone deemed a threat AP Gun rights rally in Virginia While event organisers asked supporters to show up un-armed, militias and other far-right groups from across the country attended the rally with guns to show their support for gun rights AP Gun rights rally in Virginia A man with his face covered joins the rally Getty Gun rights rally in Virginia epa08144558 Gun-rights supporters gather for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA, 20 January 2020. Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally to lobby against gun measures, introduced by VirginiaÃ•s Democratic-led assembly, that would require background checks and ban guns in some public parks and buildings. The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists. EPA/SHAWN THEW SHAWN THEW EPA Gun rights rally in Virginia RICHMOND, VIRGINIA - JANUARY 20: Gun rights advocates attend a rally organized by The Virginia Citizens Defense League on Capitol Square near the state capitol building January 20, 2020 in Richmond, Virginia. During elections last year, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam promised to enact sweeping gun control laws in 2020, including limiting handgun purchase to one per month, banning military-style weapons and silencers. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Win McNamee Getty Gun rights rally in Virginia A woman speaks during a pro-gun rally, Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, in Richmond, Va. Thousands of pro-gun supporters are expected at the rally to oppose gun control legislation like universal background checks that are being pushed by the newly elected Democratic legislature. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Julio Cortez AP Gun rights rally in Virginia An armed militia member wears a badge commemorating today at a gun rights rally near Virginia's Capitol, in Richmond, Virginia, U.S. January 20, 2020. REUTERS/Jonathan Drake JONATHAN DRAKE Reuters Gun rights rally in Virginia epa08144964 Gun-rights supporters gather for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA, 20 January 2020. Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally to lobby against gun measures, introduced by Virginia's Democratic-led assembly, that would require background checks and ban guns in some public parks and buildings. The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists. EPA/SHAWN THEW SHAWN THEW EPA Gun rights rally in Virginia People hold a sign near the Virginia State Capitol building to advocate for gun rights in Richmond, Virginia, U.S. January 20, 2020. REUTERS/Stephanie Keith STEPHANIE KEITH Reuters Gun rights rally in Virginia Kem Regik, of Virginia, stands on the sidewalk before a pro gun rally, Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, in Richmond, Va. There was a light crowd early morning Monday outside the Capitol ahead of the rally. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Julio Cortez AP Gun rights rally in Virginia People who are part of an armed militia group arrive near the Virginia State Capitol building to advocate for gun rights in Richmond, Virginia, U.S. January 20, 2020. REUTERS/Stephanie Keith STEPHANIE KEITH Reuters Gun rights rally in Virginia People hold a sign near the Virginia State Capitol building to advocate for gun rights in Richmond, Virginia, U.S. January 20, 2020. REUTERS/Stephanie Keith STEPHANIE KEITH Reuters Gun rights rally in Virginia epa08144557 Gun-rights supporters gather for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA, 20 January 2020. Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally to lobby against gun measures, introduced by VirginiaÃ•s Democratic-led assembly, that would require background checks and ban guns in some public parks and buildings. The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists. EPA/SHAWN THEW SHAWN THEW EPA Gun rights rally in Virginia A woman holds a t-shirt as gun rights advocates and militia members attend rally in Richmond, Virginia, U.S. January 20, 2020. REUTERS/Jim Urquhart JIM URQUHART Reuters Gun rights rally in Virginia RICHMOND, VA - JANUARY 20: Gun rights advocates attend a rally organized by The Virginia Citizens Defense League on Capitol Square near the state capitol building on January 20, 2020 in Richmond, Virginia. During elections last year, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam promised to enact sweeping gun control laws in 2020, including limiting handgun purchase to one per month, banning military-style weapons and silencers, allowing localities to ban guns in public spaces and enacting a 'red flag' law so authorities can temporarily seize weapons from someone deemed a threat. While event organizers have asked supporters to show up un-armed, militias and other far-right groups from across the country plan to attend the rally and show their support for gun rights. (Photo by Zach Gibson/Getty Images) Zach Gibson Getty Gun rights rally in Virginia A protestor holds a sign in front of the Virginia State Capitol building in Richmond, Virginia on January 20, 2020. - Thousands of gun rights supporters descended for a rally in the grounds of the State Capitol under heavy surveillance after authorities were forced to declare a state of emergency for fear of violence by far-right groups. (Photo by Roberto SCHMIDT / AFP) (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images) ROBERTO SCHMIDT AFP via Getty Gun rights rally in Virginia epa08144519 Gun-rights supporters gather for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA, 20 January 2020. Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally to lobby against gun measures, introduced by Virginia's Democratic-led assembly, that would require background checks and ban guns in some public parks and buildings. The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists. EPA/SHAWN THEW SHAWN THEW EPA Gun rights rally in Virginia epa08144971 Alex Jones of Info Wars delivers remarks to gun-rights supporters gathered for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA, 20 January 2020. Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally to lobby against gun measures, introduced by Virginia's Democratic-led assembly, that would require background checks and ban guns in some public parks and buildings. The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists. EPA/SHAWN THEW SHAWN THEW EPA Gun rights rally in Virginia Demonstrators stand on the capitol grounds ahead of a pro gun rally, Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, in Richmond, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) Steve Helber AP Gun rights rally in Virginia RICHMOND, VIRGINIA - JANUARY 20: Gun rights advocates attend a rally organized by The Virginia Citizens Defense League on Capitol Square near the state capitol building January 20, 2020 in Richmond, Virginia. During elections last year, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam promised to enact sweeping gun control laws in 2020, including limiting handgun purchase to one per month, banning military-style weapons and silencers, allowing localities to ban guns in public spaces and enacting a 'red flag' law so authorities can temporarily seize weapons from someone deemed a threat. While event organizers have asked supporters to show up un-armed, militias and other far-right groups from across the country plan to attend the rally and show their support for gun rights. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Win McNamee Getty Gun rights rally in Virginia Demonstrators stand outside a security zone before a pro gun rally, Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, in Richmond, Va. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Julio Cortez AP Gun rights rally in Virginia epa08144513 Gun-rights supporters go through security as they gather for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA, 20 January 2020. Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally to lobby against gun measures, introduced by Virginia's Democratic-led assembly, that would require background checks and ban guns in some public parks and buildings. The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists. EPA/JIM LO SCALZO JIM LO SCALZO EPA Gun rights rally in Virginia RICHMOND, VA - JANUARY 20: Gun rights advocates attend a rally organized by The Virginia Citizens Defense League on Capitol Square near the state capitol building on January 20, 2020 in Richmond, Virginia. During elections last year, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam promised to enact sweeping gun control laws in 2020, including limiting handgun purchase to one per month, banning military-style weapons and silencers, allowing localities to ban guns in public spaces and enacting a 'red flag' law so authorities can temporarily seize weapons from someone deemed a threat. While event organizers have asked supporters to show up un-armed, militias and other far-right groups from across the country plan to attend the rally and show their support for gun rights. (Photo by Zach Gibson/Getty Images) Zach Gibson Getty Gun rights rally in Virginia Demonstrators march during a pro-gun rally, Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, in Richmond, Va. Thousands of pro-gun supporters are expected at the rally to oppose gun control legislation like universal background checks that are being pushed by the newly elected Democratic legislature. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Julio Cortez AP Gun rights rally in Virginia epa08144522 Gun-rights supporters gather for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA, 20 January 2020. Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally to lobby against gun measures, introduced by Virginia's Democratic-led assembly, that would require background checks and ban guns in some public parks and buildings. The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists. EPA/SHAWN THEW SHAWN THEW EPA Gun rights rally in Virginia epa08144532 Gun-rights supporters gather for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA, 20 January 2020. Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally to lobby against gun measures, introduced by Virginia's Democratic-led assembly, that would require background checks and ban guns in some public parks and buildings. The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists. EPA/SHAWN THEW SHAWN THEW EPA Gun rights rally in Virginia epa08144560 Gun-rights supporters gather for a rally outside the Virginia state capitol in Richmond, Virginia, USA, 20 January 2020. Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally to lobby against gun measures, introduced by VirginiaÃ•s Democratic-led assembly, that would require background checks and ban guns in some public parks and buildings. The rally also attracted militia members, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists. EPA/SHAWN THEW SHAWN THEW EPA Gun rights rally in Virginia A person who is part of an armed militia group arrives near the Virginia State Capitol building to advocate for gun rights in Richmond, Virginia, U.S. January 20, 2020. REUTERS/Stephanie Keith STEPHANIE KEITH Reuters Gun rights rally in Virginia Pro gun protestors gather outside the Virginia State Capitol building in Richmond, Virginia on January 20, 2020. - Thousands of gun rights supporters descended for a rally in the grounds of the State Capitol under heavy surveillance after authorities were forced to declare a state of emergency for fear of violence by far-right groups. (Photo by Roberto SCHMIDT / AFP) (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images) ROBERTO SCHMIDT AFP via Getty Gun rights rally in Virginia Police guard the Virginia State Capitol building in Richmond, Virginia on January 20, 2020. - Thousands of gun rights supporters descended for a rally in the grounds of the State Capitol under heavy surveillance after authorities were forced to declare a state of emergency for fear of violence by far-right groups. (Photo by Roberto SCHMIDT / AFP) (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images) ROBERTO SCHMIDT AFP via Getty Gun rights rally in Virginia Gun-rights supporters gather for the rally at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Monday morning Jan. 20, 2020. Gun-rights activists and other groups are descending on Virginiaâ€™s capital city of Richmond to protest plans by the state's Democratic leadership to pass gun-control legislation. (Rob Ostermaier/The Virginian-Pilot via AP) Rob Ostermaier AP

“The governor has declared war on law-abiding gun owners,” said Philip Van Cleave, president of the VCDL. “We’re protecting our right for people to protect themselves.”

He also lambasted the billionaire 2020 hopeful Mike Bloomberg and the Democratic Party, adding: “We shouldn’t have to be protecting civil rights from either party, but the Democrats – because Bloomberg is paying them off – they’re all marching with money in their pockets to go against the constitution.”

Other demonstrators described the state of emergency as unnecessary, despite the FBI arresting three suspected neo-Nazis days before the event who had reportedly discussed opening fire at the demonstrations and were anticipating a possible race war to begin.

Thomas Speciale, one of the demonstrators attending the event, described the official designation as “BS”, adding: “There was no threat ... It wasn’t a state [of] emergency, Northam created this emergency.”

The decision by Democrats to pass the relatively minor gun laws would have a resounding effect at the ballot box in 2020, said Mr Speciale, who is running for US Senate against the Virginia Democratic incumbent, Mark Warner.

“In November, ultimately what happened was we got complacent,” he said, referring to the Democratic takeover in 2018, as demonstrators carrying Glock handguns and other weapons stopped to cheer and listen. “But the best members of our team right now are the Democrats, because they continue to poke the bear. We could not have done this without them.”

Perhaps the hottest commodity at the event – besides the guns themselves – was merchandise and clothing supporting the president’s 2020 re-election campaign. One vendor who asked not to be identified said his table of Trump gear sold like “hot cakes” while noting the overlap of gun rights activists and supporters of the Republican president.

Mr Trump tweeted his support for the event as the demonstrations were underway, writing: “I will NEVER allow our great Second Amendment to go unprotected, not even a little bit!”

The president also said the new gun laws in Virginia were the result of the Democratic Party “working hard to take away your 2nd Amendment rights” in a tweet leading up to the rally, adding: “This is just the beginning. Don’t let it happen, VOTE REPUBLICAN in 2020!”

Josh Hawthorne, a demonstrator who attended the event on Monday, also suggested Republicans would show up in droves to vote out Democrats for implementing new gun laws.

“This has organised and brought people together,” he said. “If they continue trying to take away our guns, there’s going to be chaos.”

Gun control activists meanwhile called for calm during the event, and many said they stayed home to avoid a potential clash with the thousands of armed demonstrators convening outside of the capitol grounds on Martin Luther King Jr Day.

In a statement to The Independent, Amnesty International said Lobby Day was “creating a climate of fear”, adding: “The vile decision to hold such a rally on a day when our country recognises the life of Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr, a peaceful civil rights leader whose life ended in gun violence, is particularly troubling.”

But not all gun control activists stayed home. Thomas Freeman said he attended the event because “people are dying” and “it’s time to fix that”.

Holding a sign that read “gun laws save lives”, Mr Freeman said: “Traditionally on this day a lot of folks come to lobby, including gun rights activists, but they don’t feel safe.”