Over in Strategy, Tactics, and Training, the now properly locked thread Open carry question introduced several legal questions about brandishing and other related issues.
MedWheeler commented with the following:
"Some states that would otherwise permit such carry in fact prohibit or otherwise regulate it while attending or participating in a protest, rally, or other type of public demonstration (even a parade in some cases.) Since the protests/incident in Virginia came up, I wonder if Virginia, or any of its localities, has such regulations in place."
Virginia has a state preemption law forbidding local governments from establishing county or city laws controlling firearms beyond state law. As far as I know, no local jurisdiction in VA has any such law grandfathered and in effect. However, as a direct result of the Charlottesville mess, at least one member of the state legislature is reported to have proposed just such a no-firearms-at demonstrations bill to be considered by the General Assembly in the next session. I have no idea if this will be introduced, but I suspect it is unlikely such a bill would be passed by the current body. I am quite sure, however, the current governor would sign it if it were to reach his desk.
MedWheeler commented with the following:
"Some states that would otherwise permit such carry in fact prohibit or otherwise regulate it while attending or participating in a protest, rally, or other type of public demonstration (even a parade in some cases.) Since the protests/incident in Virginia came up, I wonder if Virginia, or any of its localities, has such regulations in place."
Virginia has a state preemption law forbidding local governments from establishing county or city laws controlling firearms beyond state law. As far as I know, no local jurisdiction in VA has any such law grandfathered and in effect. However, as a direct result of the Charlottesville mess, at least one member of the state legislature is reported to have proposed just such a no-firearms-at demonstrations bill to be considered by the General Assembly in the next session. I have no idea if this will be introduced, but I suspect it is unlikely such a bill would be passed by the current body. I am quite sure, however, the current governor would sign it if it were to reach his desk.