They came from all over the country.
Militia groups...
white supremacists...
and anarchists.
All determined to start a civil war over gun rights in Richmond, Virginia, today.
At first, groups called on thousands of their members to stage a protest on Capitol Square over losing 2nd Amendment Rights, because the new Democratic majority in the General Assembly planned on passing gun safety laws.
It was hard to tell how many people would attend. Organizers were hopeful for a big turnout.
Meanwhile, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency and issued a ban on firearms or other weapons on Capitol grounds after numerous threats, and the FBI's discovery that a white supremacist group called "The Base" was planning on murdering people.
Related: Three More Members of White Supremacist Group Arrested
Despite challenges from gun rights groups, the state Supreme Court upheld the ban.
Just when it began to look like authorities had things in control, Trump stepped into the controversy and ginned up his Twitter followers:
"Your 2nd Amendment is under very serious attack in the Great Commonwealth of Virginia, he tweeted.
"That's what happens when you vote for Democrats, they will take your guns away," Trump claimed.
Just rile up his base, who like him, have a short memory span.
Knowing that the FBI had arrested three alleged members of a white-supremacist group for planning to attend the rally and incite violence, should have been Trump's cue to back off and not throw fuel on the fire...
but, hell no.
Since his encouragement, more national militia and extremist groups have mobilzed, invigorated by what they see as Trump's approval of their activities.
The leader of the rally/protest is a familiar figure among extremists, Christian Yingling.
You might remember him from Charlottesville. He was responsible for that debacle that left one woman dead. He, and his group were banned from ever returning there again while armed.
Trump the political pyromaniac starts fires for a reason.
If what happens today in Richmond ends up in chaos and violence, people will be talking about that - and 2nd Amendment Rights - instead of his senate trial.
Time for me to walk on down the road...
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