Hundreds of gun rights supporters began massing outside the
Virginia state capitol Monday for a rally under heavy surveillance and a state of emergency declared by authorities fearing violence by far-right groups.
Dressed in hunting jackets and caps, rally-goers were checked for weapons as they passed through tight security before entering a fenced off area of Richmond's Capitol Square for the so-called "Lobby Day" event.
Hundreds more gathered in the streets surrounding the Capitol building, a few bearing arms, which is permitted outside the designated rally area.