SALEM -- Some gun-toting demonstrators have taken their protest and their weapons inside the Capitol building.

Oregon law allows people who have concealed handgun licenses to openly carry weapons inside public buildings, including the Capitol.

Among those who ventured inside from a pro-gun rally across the street was a man who would only give a first name, Warren.

"I'm supporting my fellow patriots," he said. He was carrying an AR-15 slung across his back. "It's technically loaded," he said, meaning a full magazine was in place, but no round was chambered.

He was approached by a state police officer -- about a half dozen were posted directly inside the Capitol rotunda -- who asked to see Warren's concealed handgun permit. The trooper looked at the permit and walked away, while Warren took photos of the Rotunda art work.

in the Capitol Mall to support the Second Amendment and to protest efforts to restrict gun ownership.

"Everything's going exactly as planned," state police Lt. Terri Davie said. There are people walking through the building with weapons, but "there's been no concerns." She wouldn't say how many state troopers are on hand, but said they always beef up security whenever there's a large rally.

She estimated the crowd at 300 to 400 demonstrators.

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