Several Colorado sheriffs gathered Wednesday in advance of President Barack Obama’s Denver visit, to condemn the president’s advocacy of additional federal gun-control laws.

“The president, later today, hiding behind the walls of the Denver Police Academy, will surround himself with hand-picked audience of gun-control supports and police employees coerced to attend his political rally as he declares a victory along with Denver’s Governor, John Hickenlooper,” said Larimer County Sheriff Justin Smith.

More than a dozen of the sheriffs were on hand at Fred N. Thomas Memorial Park about a mile from the Denver Police Academy campus where the president is to meet with law enforcement officials and community leaders Wednesday.

El Paso Sheriff Terry Maketa criticized the president and the governor for “ram-rodding” the new gun control laws through the legislature.

“Our governor has lied to the citizens of this state,” he said.

As Maketa talked, protesters cheered and yelled statements such as, “death to tyranny.”

Smith said he talked to multiple Denver police officers who told him they had no choice in attending today’s event with the president, rather than standing with the sheriffs.

“They knew they could not stand up here today without repercussions,” Smith said.

About 30 protesters joined the sheriffs’ rally to speak out against new gun control laws.

“What they are doing is going against the Second Amendment,” said Kris Steinbauer of Colorado Springs. “They were elected by us, and they are supposed to do what we tell them. And they are not.”

Ivan Anthony of Monument said he is full of emotions over what the state has done concerning gun-control.

“They haven’t listened to their constituents,” he said of the state’s lawmakers. “Even moderate Democrats won’t go against the party because it’s mafia-style politics — If you don’t agree, you’re out.”

Ryan Parker: 303-954-2409, rparker@denverpost.com or twitter.com/ryanparkerdp