The Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department posted notices Monday stating firearms were prohibited in the area ahead of a January 6 pro-Trump protest.
“All firearms prohibited within 1000 feet of this sign,” said a notice posted near Washington D.C.’s Freedom Plaza, captured by Jesse Burkett-Hall, a photojournalist for local D.C. television station WTTG.
The sign then noted the restrictions would be in place from Monday, January 4 to Thursday, January 7.
The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed to Newsweek that they posted the flyers.
Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser warned residents to not engage with potentially confrontational demonstrators in a press release on Sunday.
“Members of the public and anyone attending the events are reminded that District law prohibits anyone from carrying a firearm within 1,000 feet of any First Amendment activity. Under federal law, it is illegal to possess firearms on the U.S. Capitol grounds and on National Park Service areas, such as Freedom Plaza, the Ellipse, and the National Mall,” the release said.
“Additionally, members of the public are reminded that the District of Columbia does not have reciprocity with other states’ concealed pistol licenses; unless a person has been issued a concealed pistol license by the District of Columbia, they cannot conceal carry a firearm in the city. Finally, it is illegal to open carry firearms in the District,” the release continued in reference to the D.C. city code noted in the flyer.
The sign was posted two days ahead of a protest organized by supporters of President Donald Trump.
Participants plan to demand that Congress overturn election results on January 6, the day lawmakers are scheduled to certify electoral college votes, confirming President-elect Joe Biden‘s win.
Lawmakers, including a coalition of at least eleven GOP senators and senators-elect led by Republican Senator Ted Cruz, plan to oppose Congress certifying the Electoral College vote unless an audit of the election results is conducted.
Trump supporters plan to march around the Capitol, Washington Monument and Freedom Plaza during the demonstration.
In the 30-second clip, posted to Trump’s Twitter account on January 2, the president promoted the upcoming “March for Trump” protest, calling it potentially the “biggest event in Washington D.C. history.”
Several of the president’s allies are expected to speak during the event, including George Papadopoulos, a former policy advisor to Trump’s 2016 campaign, and Roger Stone, a longtime loyal Trump ally. Both men were recently pardoned by the president.
Enrique Tarrio, the chairman of the Proud Boys, announced last week that members of the far-right group will also attend the event.
“The ProudBoys will turn out in record numbers on January 6th but this time with a twist,” Tarrio said in a statement posted on Parler, a social media platform.
The U.S. Capitol is shown above standing behind police barricades on December 11, 2020 in Washington, DC. Trump supporters planned to march around the Capitol, Washington Monument and Freedom Plaza during a protest on January 6. Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images
“We will be incognito and we will spread across downtown DC in smaller teams,” Tarrio continued. The Proud Boys chairman also added the group “might dress in all black for the occasion.”
