Gun rights supporters held a rally at the state Capitol on Friday to protest calls out of Washington for new gun restrictions.
About 250 supporters – many carrying pistols and rifles -- were out along Washington Street to show that the majority of gun owners are law abiding citizens.
"The purpose is just to show that legal gun owners are not the problem in this country, and to allow people to legally own guns is not going to hurt anything," said Michelle McDonald, a rally participant.
Most of the talk among those attending the rally was the recent debate for federal restrictions on certain firearms.
Earlier this week, President Barack Obama made his case for stronger gun laws, including a ban on new assault weapons, limits on high-capacity gun clips and an expansion of criminal background checks to cover more gun sales.
"The vast majority of Americans, including a majority of gun owners, support requiring criminal background checks for anyone trying to buy a gun," President Obama said.
But gun rights activists say more extensive background checks would be intrusive and do little to stop criminals from obtaining guns.
While most of the talk at the rally focused on potential federal gun restrictions, some state Capitol lawmakers have called for an expansion of gun rights. GOP leaders have been reluctant so far to wade into the gun debate.
A smaller counter-protest was staged across the street by gun restriction supporters.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:06 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:06:52 GMT
If you're hitting the road this weekend, you wont be alone. Plenty of drivers are expected to make use of the long Memorial Day weekend, both in and out of town.
If you're hitting the road this weekend, you wont be alone. Plenty of drivers are expected to make use of the long Memorial Day weekend, both in and out of town.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:00 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:00:01 GMT
An Army Reserve sergeant surprised his daughter by returning from an overseas deployment and presenting her with her diploma at high school graduation.
An Army Reserve sergeant surprised his daughter by returning from an overseas deployment and presenting her with her diploma at high school graduation.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:32 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:32:57 GMT
Authorities say more than a dozen people were injured in an accident involving a hotel shuttle bus near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning.
Authorities say more than a dozen people were injured in an accident involving a hotel shuttle bus near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:28 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:28:55 GMT
In-depth reporting by the Druid Hills High School student newspaper on DeKalb's accreditation controversy landed the head of SACS as the school's commencement speaker on Friday.
In-depth reporting by the Druid Hills High School student newspaper on DeKalb's accreditation controversy landed the head of SACS as the school's commencement speaker on Friday.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:50 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:50:02 GMT
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer boating season. Authorities are reminding folks that there are some new laws on Georgia's waterways.
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer boating season. Authorities are reminding folks that there are some new laws on Georgia's waterways.
