PHOTOS: Strong showing at I-594 protest rally in Seattle against gun control

Last Saturday, on October 18, 250 to 300 gun rights activists met in downtown Seattle’s Westlake Park to protest I-594, making it the safest place that day to be in the state. Only one park ranger showed up to monitor the rally, and he didn’t bother carrying a firearm.

I-594 signKing 5 TV filmed the event, with refreshingly objective coverage, shown below. They didn’t just film and interview white males, but showcased the diversity of the attendees, which included minorities and women packing.

A pro-594 protest the next day didn’t appear to attract any more participants, despite the millions poured into the initiative.

Opinions were mixed, but the majority of attendees felt worried I-594 is going to pass on Nov. 4th. Billionaires in favor of gun control have spent almost 10 times as much money promoting I-594 as the opposition.
Organizers reported afterwards that the Seattle Police commended them on how well the rally went. One police officer shook organizer Rick Halle’s hand and thanked him for exercising his rights.

Below is a list of the speakers, whose speeches are featured beneath  on YouTube. Former Washington State Supreme Court Justice Richard Sanders went over the legal aspects of the initiative should it pass, and said the real purpose of it is to take guns away from people. He asked, “why can I give my mother a firearm, but can’t sell her or loan her one?” Rep. Jason Overstreet (R-Lynden) said the law has been vaguely written, with few words defined, so that unelected bureaucrats in the state department of licensing can interpret them later, writing rules as restrictive as they want.

SPEAKERS

Marty McClendon, candidate for Congress
Doug Basler, candidate for Congress
Shahram Hadian, Christian pastor
Former Washington State Supreme Court Justice Richard Sanders
State Representative Jason Overstreet
Adina Hicks (NRA Grassroots Organizer)
Danielle Decker (Amopac)
Rick Halle (Gun Rights Coalition)

The event was hosted by several gun groups, including Gun Rights Coalition, http://www.opencarrywashington.com/, http://www.washingtongunrights.com/, Gun Rights Across America Washington State
http://www.waguns.org/, and others. Join the No on I-594 Facebook group here.

The King 5 video coverage is beneath the photos, which are courtesy of Michael Gallion, followed by videos of the speakers.

Alice-Gheorghiu
Alice Gheorghiu stood up for gun rights with her S&W M&P9.

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Organizer Rick Halle
Organizer Rick Halle
Some of us met up carrying for coffee at the nearby friendly Fred Meyer's in Bellevue.
Some of us met up carrying to have coffee at the nearby friendly Fred Meyer’s in Bellevue.
This Occupy protester was cool because he reads Western Shooting Journal.
This Occupy protester was cool because he reads Western Shooting Journal.
Jason Colberg participated in a debate on I-594 with a state legislator, and did quite well - http://americanshootingjournal.comeditors-blog/everyday-citizen-jason-colberg-debates-wa-state-senator-maralyn-chase-on-the-pros-cons-of-initiative-594/
Jason Colberg participated in a debate on I-594 with a state legislator the next day, and did quite well – http://americanshootingjournal.comeditors-blog/everyday-citizen-jason-colberg-debates-wa-state-senator-maralyn-chase-on-the-pros-cons-of-initiative-594/
Cathy Ryan
Cathy Lee Ryan showed up to express her opposition to I-594 – but support for Western Shooting Journal.
The gun bloggers! They meet up every year in Reno, Nev. From l-r: Mike Gallion, D.W. Drang, Barron B. and Janelle Barnett
The gun bloggers! They meet up every year in Reno, Nev. From l-r: Mike Gallion, D.W. Drang, Barron B. and Janelle Barnett

 

Patrick Mullen and Mike Carpenter of the Friday Night Rifle League in Bellevue seemed to know everyone there.
Patrick Mullen and Mike Carpenter of the Friday Night Rifle League in Bellevue seemed to know everyone there.
Whatom County gun rights supporters drove two and a half hours south to attend the rally.
Whatom County gun rights supporters drove two and a half hours south to attend the rally.
Loved this family of homemade signs
Loved this family of homemade signs
Sandy Wagnon of Redmond was just another woman who showed up packing to support the Second Amendment.
Sandy Wagnon of Redmond was just another woman who showed up packing to support the Second Amendment.

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