Day of Resistance Rally Held Downtown Asheville

Downtown Pack Square in Asheville was at the heart of a Day of Resistance as local advocates and  organizers across the county gathered to protest their opposition to gun control measures that could possibly infringe on their 2nd Amendment rights.

Local Day of Resistance participants expressed a deep concern of how any measures of gun control in light of President Barack Obama’s continuous push for increased gun control measures would tighten restrictions on gun ownership.  Resistance advocates say the reforms breach their constitutional right to bear arms, and would open a gateway to legislation of other personal infringements.

Shortly after this interview of Resistance Rally protesters, Asheville City Councilman Cecil Bothwell cited that some of the protester’s participation in the downtown Asheville Resistance Rally who displayed weapons secured on their sides while participating in the Day of Resistance Rally were in direct violation of a City of Asheville ordinance that prohibits picketing while the carrying of guns.

City Council-member Cecil Bothwell called for enforcement of Asheville’s ordinance banning the carrying of guns while picketing in the city (see below for pertinent sections of the ordinance). Bothwell made his statement in response to a report that some gun advocates gathering for today’s Second Amendment Rally intended to carry weapons to the event.

“Carrying of guns while picketing is strictly prohibited under our municipal code. The law is very clear, and the Second Amendment Rally obviously falls within the definition of “picket” in our ordinance. Furthermore, if someone is injured during this event, through intent or by way of accidents, a failure of the City to enforce its ordinance would invite a law suit from any injured party,” said Bothwell.

The City of Asheville Ordinance can be found here: Asheville, North Carolina, Code of Ordinances  (http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=12499)

“It is not about partisan politics, or a bid for elected office” said one rally participant. “It’s about protecting our second amendment rights, and the right to bear arms, protect our families and what belongs to us!”