Pro-gun activists rally at Capitol

Waving American flags and armed with rifles, about 100 pro-gun activists rallied on the Oregon State Capitol steps in Salem on Friday.

The group hanged, then burned an effigy of Gov. Kate Brown.

The event was organized by the Oregon Council on Firearm Rights and the Gun Rights Coalition, according to an Eventbrite page for the rally. It was held to support the right to bear arms and to emphasize that "no level of government has the authority to restrict that right in any capacity, in any form or in any fashion no matter the class of firearm or the accessory in which is attached to the firearm including ammunition feeding devices."

Protesters decried Brown's actions to close loopholes and ban extended magazines for guns. They also encouraged activists to bring their licenses and guns.

"There are growing questions about open carry at the rallies," the event page read. "Put bluntly, if you own an AR15 or AK, bring it. Bring it and sling it."

The burning effigy drew immediate criticism from both sides of the gun debate. Rep. Bill Post, R-Keizer, and a supporter of gun rights, used Twitter to say he was "shocked and appalled at this behavior." Gov. Brown's spokeswoman, Kristin Grainger, said, "Hate adds nothing to civic discourse," according to the Oregonian.

No arrests were made at the rally, said Capt. Bill Fugate, an Oregon State Police spokesman. People with concealed handgun licenses were allowed to bring their weapons into the Capitol, which is a public building. Initially, there were reports that as many as 2,000 people might attend the rally, but attendance was much lower, he said.

Fugate said extra troopers are added any time large protests, especially those on polarizing issues, are held at the Capitol.

Portland State University student and journalist Mike Bivins attended the rally, chronicling the hanging of Brown's effigy, the speeches and attendees touring the Capitol with guns slung on their shoulders.

Email wmwoodwort@statesmanjournal.com, call 503-399-6884 or follow on Twitter @wmwoodworth