GRNC On Weekend Rallies

Grass Roots North Carolina sent out a press release this afternoon regarding the weekend gun rights rallies. They make the point that they are not affiliated with the event nor are sponsoring it. Their goal is not to discourage attendance but to make sure people are aware of the relevant state law in North Carolina about carrying on the grounds of the State Capitol.

GRNC not affiliated with Saturday's rally.  Warns supporters against
bringing guns to the State Capital Grounds

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To gun rights supporters: 

You may have heard about the nationwide pro-gun rally planned for this weekend. GRNC is not affiliated with this event, but we have learned that some organizers in various states have encouraged attendees to bring firearms to their particular rally location.

While it’s true that they are only encouraging this in states where it is legal to do so, there should be some concern that people unaware of their state and local laws could inadvertently ensnare themselves in serious legal trouble.

Although GRNC is not affiliated with this event, we want to serve our supporters who may plan to attend with a helpful warning: it is absolutely illegal to carry a gun on the State Capital grounds in North Carolina, unloaded or otherwise.

Carrying a gun at a protest in that part of the city will most likely land you in serious legal trouble, and may very well compromise your personal safety. It would also be counterproductive to the gun rights movement. GRNC does not condone breaking any gun laws. 

Should you choose to attend this (non-GRNC) rally:

DO NOT BRING A FIREARM 

Gun Rights Rallies This Weekend - Advocate But Stay Within The Law

A group calling itself the National Constitutional Coalition of Patriotic Americans is calling for gun rights rallies at state capitals across the nation. It is called National Support the Second Amendment Rally at the Capital.

This effort is not affiliated with gun rights groups like Grass Roots North Carolina, Georgia Carry, the NRA, or Gun Owners of America. They are not opposing it but they are not sponsoring it either.

In many states, people are being encouraged to open carry unloaded long guns. I can't speak for other states but do not do it in North Carolina.

Open carry in North Carolina is a constitutional right that was affirmed by the NC Supreme Court in State v. Keener back in 1922. Notwithstanding that, there are places where carry of any firearm, loaded or unloaded, is forbidden. The grounds of the North Carolina State Capitol is one of those places. Interestingly, papers like the Charlotte Observer are running stories headlined "Gun rights supporters: Bring your unloaded rifle to rallies". They conveniently forget to tell you that it is illegal in North Carolina.

DO NOT CARRY A FIREARM if you are attending the rally in Raleigh, North Carolina as it is ILLEGAL. You are asking to be arrested. Moreover, you will be giving aid and comfort to the enemies of the Second Amendment. Let me repeat that - if you carry a loaded or unloaded firearm on the State Capitol grounds in North Carolina you will be providing a photo op and talking point for every gun prohibitionist, anti-gun group and their media allies in the state and country.

Advocate for our rights but don't be an idiot.