‘March for Our Rights’ rally in Olympia to counter student marches

A day after Western Washington students held a walkout to draw attention to school shootings, gun rights activists are holding a counter demonstration in Olympia on Saturday to “March for Our Rights.”

Friday’s demonstration was called “We Won’t Be Next.” The national walkout in March was called “March for Our Lives.” Firearms activists call their event “March for Our Rights.” The pro-gun rally will take place from noon to 3 p.m. at the state capitol. According to The Olympian, attendees at Saturday’s rally will likely openly carry firearms again.

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Speakers will include a range of Libertarian and Conservative voices from Marty McClendon — a former lieutenant governor candidate — to Rep. Jim Walsh. An opening prayer will be offered by Chief Ben Charles with the Lower Elwha Tribe. Joey Gibson, the controversial head of Patriot Prayer and U.S. Senate candidate will also speak.

About 1,600 people are registered to attend, according to the event’s Facebook page. Another 8,200 say they may attend. Attendees have already filled the event’s Facebook feed with signs they intend to bring, stating: “Guns don’t kill people, gun control does;” “Guns gave us freedom;” “The Constitution: Frustrating Liberals since 1776;” and “My favorite amendment is my first. If you try to take it I’m going to use my second.”

The rally in Olympia is being held exactly one week after another gun rights demonstration in Olympia. That rally was part of a national demonstration in response to the many student protests, among other factors. Activists were encouraged to attend that event with their firearms in open display.

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