RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A gun-rights group has filed an emergency appeal of a judge's ruling upholding a ban on firearms at a rally expected to draw thousands of gun activists to Virginia next week.
The Virginia Citizens Defense League and Gun Owners of America filed a lawsuit Thursday seeking an injunction against the ban, which Gov. Ralph Northam imposed for a planned rally Monday near the Virginia Capitol.
A judge ruled within hours that the governor has the authority to take action related to "safety and welfare" in Virginia.
But Late Thursday, the gun-rights groups asked the Supreme Court of Virginia to issue an order prohibiting enforcement of the ban.
Arrests
GREENBELT, Md. (AP) — FBI agents have arrested a former Canadian Armed Forces reservist and two other men who authorities say are linked to a violent white supremacist group.
The men were believed to be heading to a pro-gun rally next week in Virginia’s capital.
A Justice Department news release says the three men are members of The Base.
They were arrested Thursday on federal charges in a criminal complaint unsealed in Maryland.
A law enforcement official says the men were believed to be planning to attend a pro-gun rally planned for Monday in Richmond.
The official spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss an active investigation.