PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Supporters of the Second Amendment took part in a "peaceful protest" outside the State House Saturday entitled "Guns Across America." It was one of dozens of events at state capitals.
The rally was intended to show off those who abide by current laws -- in defending themselves, and in shooting for sport. Gun owners, they said, are made up of people from all walks of life.
Local organizers say there's been a lot of misinformation about firearm regulations in the several weeks since the school shooting in Newtown, Conn. They also pointed out that Rhode Island has sworn to uphold the U.S. Constitution and the right to bear arms.
"Now, right here in Providence, they've started proceedings to ban semiautomatic handguns," Ed Doyle, the organizer for the Rhode Island Guns Across America event told the crowd. "Semiautomatic handguns according to the ATF account for 78% of all handguns sold. So tell me, by banning semiautomatic handguns, is it a way of banning all guns? Is that your plan?"