By Shoshana Walter and Lance Williams.
The organizer of Saturday’s rally in San Francisco, Joey Gibson, has pledged to keep the peace with the help of the right-wing Oath Keepers, an armed militia group. But they will run into trouble if they want to bring their guns.
This morning, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area issued a permitto the planned “Patriot Prayer” at Crissy Field, with a key restriction: “participants are prohibited from bringing firearms or anything that could be used as a weapon.” The list that follows ranges from guns to large backpacks, helmets to selfie sticks.
“We cannot deny a permit to anyone planning to exercise their First Amendment rights based on their political stance or beliefs,” said a statement from the recreation area’s Acting General Superintendent Cicely Muldoon. “We urge those planning to attend these events to share their views in a peaceful manner, to look out for each other, and to support law enforcement personnel to keep everyone safe.”
The decision followed intense work by San Francisco officials, including an effort from Supervisor Mark Farrell, who announced today that he will propose legislation to ban all guns on state and federal lands in the city. Unfortunately for Farrell, the Board of Supervisors is currently on recess; he will not be able to officially make his move until Sept. 5, long after the event is over. But it’s part of a broader campaign to send a message.
“We’re hoping it’s a deterrent for anyone who’s thinking about bringing a weapon concealed or otherwise,” said Jess Montejano, Farrell’s legislative aide.
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