(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Cade Lightfoot, left, of Toole joins hundreds of pro gun proponents gathered at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, in response to recent proposals from legislators, including red-flag laws, universal background checks and the elimination of private transfers.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Steve Tobias of South Jordan hold a sign that reads "Armed Society Is A Polite Society," as he listens to speakers during a pro gun rally at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, in response to recent proposals from legislators, including red-flag laws, universal background checks and the elimination of private transfers.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Hundreds of pro gun proponents gather at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, in response to recent proposals from legislators, including red-flag laws, universal background checks and the elimination of private transfers.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Hundreds of pro gun proponents gather at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, as Clark Aposhian, Chairman of the Utah Shooting Sports Councilin, speaks at the podium in response to recent proposals from legislators, including red-flag laws, universal background checks and the elimination of private transfers.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Clark Aposhian, Chairman of the Utah Shooting Sports Council, kicks off a pro gun rally at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, in response to recent proposals from legislators, including red-flag laws, universal background checks and the elimination of private transfers.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Alli Greathouse holds her dog Chico as she and her boyfriend Keaton Overton join hundreds of pro gun proponents gathered at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, in response to recent proposals from legislators, including red-flag laws, universal background checks and the elimination of private transfers.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Well armed pro gun proponents gather at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, in response to recent proposals from legislators, including red-flag laws, universal background checks and the elimination of private transfers.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Hundreds of pro gun proponents gather at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, in response to recent proposals from legislators, including red-flag laws, universal background checks and the elimination of private transfers.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Josh Hall of Clearfield joins hundreds of pro gun proponents gather at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, in response to recent proposals from legislators, including red-flag laws, universal background checks and the elimination of private transfers.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Jaylan Stockham joins hundreds of pro gun proponents gathered at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, in response to recent proposals from legislators, including red-flag laws, universal background checks and the elimination of private transfers.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Hundreds of pro gun proponents gather at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, in response to recent proposals from legislators, including red-flag laws, universal background checks and the elimination of private transfers.
Hundreds of gun-rights activists rallied peacefully on Saturday,Feb. 8, 2020, at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City in response to recent bill proposals from state legislators, including red-flag laws, universal background checks and the elimination of private transfers.
Many in attendance openly carried their weapons, waved flags, carried signs and cheered on speakers touting second amendment rights.
“It’s not about helping people it’s about confiscating guns,” exclaimed Clark Aposhian, Chairman of the Utah Shooting Sports Council, as he delivered the keynote address. Aposhian, a gun lobbyist who frequents the Capitol, touted the unmistakable influence of the gun lobby in Utah as he announced that “because of your efforts the red flag legislation in Utah is dead.”
Rep. Steve Handy, R-Layton, who has tried to push for “red-flag” legislation for years that would enable a judge to temporarily strip firearms from a person in crisis was unable to find the votes.
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