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.

King 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.