Gun Rights Activists Rally At Oklahoma State Capitol

The organization, "Guns Across America," held rallies in 49 states across the country. Here in Oklahoma, hundreds of gun rights activists rallied at the state capitol to support the right to bear arms. 

The debate continues to gain momentum, especially after the mid-December massacre in Newtown, Connecticut when 20 first-graders and six adults were killed in a matter of minutes. Those who own firearms say their rights are now under attack by the President's recent proposals to reduce gun violence.  

"This is the nearest capitol that I could come here today and join these fellow patriots in support of the second amendment," said Tom Washer.

Tom Washer and his wife Jeanie drove four hours from Borger, TX to rally for their second amendment right. They argue their right to bear arms is enshrined in the second amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

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"Our second amendment is not about hunting, it's about freedom from government tyranny. That's why the founding fathers came up with the Bill of Rights, especially the Second Amendment," said Washer.

"I just think that we need to stop and reevaluate what we're doing before we just restrict more things," said Jeanie Washer.

Amanda Harwell, a mother of three, says Saturday at the rally was the first time she's carried her .32-caliber pistol on her hip.

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"I carry for protection, for my family. That's simply it," said Harwell. "I want to stand up for the rights that the constitution gives us. I want to hold the lawmakers accountable."

"I have the right to bear arms," said Suzanne Prather, holding an American Flag. "It's not that I want to bear arms, I have the right to bear arms."

An estimated 2,000 people rallied at the state capitol at high noon Saturday.