The 36-year-old photo in Northam’s yearbook surfaced in early 2019. In his initial official statement, Northam said he was in the image, apologized and called it “clearly racist and offensive.” Less than a day later, the governor denied being in the photo, but said he had worn blackface in a different incident.

“The point of these posters is to bring it back,” Moog said. “I think it resonates with most folks [that] the Democrats are pushing this stuff to take the attention away from the governor’s embarrassing racist past. That’s what this is all about — he’s trying to get away from his scandal, and it’s worked.”

Moog said he personally put up some of the signs along with other VCDL volunteers. He added that he has sent electronic versions of the sign to people in southwest Virginia and Richmond who requested them.

VCDL President Philip Van Cleave said the intent of the signs was to promote the rally “because the governor has basically declared war on gun owners.”